An October 19 executive order directs the division’s creation within 90 days and establishes a White House task force.
President Trump signed an executive order October 19 directing the creation of a women’s-health division within the National Institutes of Health and establishing a White House task force to coordinate the initiative.
The order gives federal officials 90 days to establish the NIH division. Its priorities include research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment across different stages of women’s lives.
First Lady Melania Trump championed the initiative, emphasizing research into conditions that affect women differently, faster development of therapies and better access to medical advances.
Her announced priorities also include using advanced technology in research and encouraging more open discussion of women’s health.
The order calls for improved research methods and greater inclusion of women and girls in clinical trials. It also emphasizes coordination among primary care, specialty care and behavioral-health providers.
The administration says cooperation with the private sector will help advance treatments and scientific discoveries.
The announcement establishes federal responsibilities and policy goals. It does not mean the new division is already fully operating or that new treatments are immediately available.
Implementation remains subject to applicable law and available appropriations. Further agency announcements will determine how the directive translates into research programs, staffing and patient-facing resources.
Featured-image credit: First Lady Melania Trump in her official 2025 White House portrait. Photograph: Régine Mahaux/The White House.
