March 30, 2026
Ms. Ansari (for herself, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Bell, Ms. Brownley, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Goldman of New York, Mrs. Grijalva, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. McGarvey, Ms. Norton, Ms. Pressley, Ms. Ross, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Tonko, Mrs. Trahan, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. Williams of Georgia, and Ms. Wilson of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study to assess barriers to pain management methods during gynecologic procedures.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Gynecologic Pain Management Study Act
.
Sec. 2. Study on barriers to pain management methods during gynecologic procedures
(a) In general
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct a comprehensive study to assess barriers to health care providers offering, and patients accessing, pain management methods during gynecologic procedures (such as whether lack of access is related to insurance coverage, training, or resources issues). Such study shall include a review of current literature and, if necessary, new research.
(b) Stakeholder engagement
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including—
(1)
patients and patient advocacy organizations;
(2)
licensed reproductive health care providers;
(3)
professional medical societies;
(4)
public health experts;
(5)
health equity experts representing marginalized communities; and
(6)
medical device manufacturers and innovators.
(c) Report
Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that includes—
(1)
the findings of the study under subsection (a); and
(2)
any recommendations for administrative or legislative action.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Pain management methods
The term pain management methods means methods or strategies to prevent, reduce, or manage physical pain associated with a medical procedure.
(2) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.