Advocacy in Action

EFFA returned to D.C. for the first-ever Women’s Health Day on Capitol Hill. After attending the Congressional Briefing on “Sex Matters: Learn How Sex Differences Impact Medical Research, Innovation, Health Outcomes, the Economy and More,” the team met with legislative directors from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office and Congresswoman Grace Meng’s office.

Two key funding initiatives were discussed:
• $200M for the NIH Women’s Health Research Interdisciplinary Fund
• $5M for the FDA’s Women’s Health Innovation Program

EFFA also brought urgent attention to CMS reimbursement barriers for excision surgery for endometriosis. These limitations are forcing patients into ineffective ablation procedures with general gynecologists, often leading to more pain and incomplete care. Excision surgery, the gold standard, is being driven out-of-network—making it unaffordable for most. When we join forces, real change happens.

EEFA had the privilege of participating in the Second Annual Women's Health Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C. with Women's Health Advocates.

A huge thank you to Liz Powell, Esq., MPH for creating this incredible initiative and bringing together such a powerful group of advocates, clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, patients, and policymakers. Watching this movement grow over the last two years has been inspiring, and seeing how much this event has expanded since last year was a powerful reminder that women's health is gaining momentum.

While the day focused on advancing women's health as a whole, EEFA was proud to continue advocating for the endometriosis and adenomyosis community. We met with several New Jersey Senate and House offices to discuss two key priorities:

• Creating a separate CPT code and improved reimbursement pathway for endometriosis excision surgery through ongoing work with the AMA and CMS.
• Advancing efforts with the Department of Labor to explore FMLA protections for those living with endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Change takes time, but progress is happening. Every conversation, meeting, and advocate at the table helps move these issues forward.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted its inaugural National Conference on Women's Health from March 11–13, 2026, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

The multi-day event convened clinicians, federal officials, researchers, and patient advocates to address critical topics affecting women across their lifespans. The event featured over 55 speakers and 16 sessions focused on bridging the gap between medical research and clinical implementation.

Key Takeaways & Announcements
• Postpartum Safety: HHS launched the "Still at Risk" maternal health initiative and announced plans to standardize postpartum wristbands in collaboration with the Preeclampsia Foundation and other medical associations.
• Urological Care: HHS and the American Urological Association partnered to standardize clinical practices and expand insurance coverage for women's urology.
• Clinical Panels: Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including Menopause and midlife health, cervical cancer screening guidelines, autoimmune diseases, infertility, and disparities in women's health research.

EFFA believes that screening saves lives across every area of women’s health. That’s why we proudly support efforts to close the gap in breast cancer care and expand access to early detection.

The progress made in breast cancer awareness, screening, and CPT coding offers a powerful roadmap for advancing endometriosis care. By studying how breast cancer secured dedicated coding, research funding, and clinical pathways, EFFA is working to bring similar clarity and priority to excision surgery and endometriosis treatment. Early diagnosis, proper coding, and equitable access should not be luxuries—they should be standard for every woman-facing condition.

Endo Excision for All's Founder, Nicole Notar, was honored to speak at the Power of X Conference, hosted by Cure. and WHH Women’s Health Horizons, bringing the patient voice to a room of clinicians, researchers, biotech, pharma, and industry leaders shaping the future of women’s healthcare.

The conference highlighted how meaningful conversations across sectors can advance awareness and equitable access to excision surgery. For too long, patients have been excluded from these spaces—yet when patients are included, outcomes improve. EFFA remains committed to ensuring patient voices are centered in healthcare innovation.