Women Are Some of the Strongest Supporters of Men’s Health

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Henry Herrera

Telephone: +1-301-801-0608

Women Are Some of the Strongest Supporters of Men’s Health

June 15, 2026 — June is Men’s Health Month, and it’s a time to reflect on a disturbing paradox: Even though men die five years sooner than women, the federal government currently has seven offices of women’s health, and zero offices of men’s health.

In Congress, lawmakers are debating passage of the State of Men’s Health Act, H.R. 7602, that would create the first federal Office of Men’s Health (1). And state lawmakers are reviewing the recent American Medical Association resolution calling on public health departments to establish offices of men’s health (2).

But conspicuously absent from the debate is how ending premature male mortality will also benefit women and wives. Research shows that widowhood imposes a heavy emotional, financial, and health toll on women:

Emotional and psychological trauma from bereavement: The sudden or early loss of a husband triggers intense grief, depression, loneliness, and anxiety. The Stanford Center on Longevity research highlights that women experience higher rates of sadness and psychological distress that can last for years (3).

Increased burdens of daily living: Widows often assume sole responsibility for household management, finances, and decision-making previously shared with a partner. This shift compounds their physical and cognitive loads (4).
Higher out-of-pocket medical expenditures: Bereavement often causes increased healthcare needs for the surviving spouse. Studies show increases in medical spending, as widows oversee their own health declines (5).
22% decline in income: Widowhood substantially raises the likelihood of falling into poverty. The Social Security Administration reports that women frequently experience income drops (around 22% in early years) and wealth depletion, with many falling into poverty (6).
Three times greater risk of being admitted to a nursing home: Losing a spouse dramatically increases the risk of institutionalization. Finnish and U.S. studies document hazard ratios exceeding three in the first month after bereavement (7).
48% greater mortality risk: Becoming widowed is associated with a 48% increase in mortality risk, according to Health and Retirement Study analyses. The loss of social support, shared resources, and companionship contributes to higher death rates among widows (8).

Evie Magazine columnist Lisa Britton reveals, “Our fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers continue to die earlier, suffer more, and receive far less institutional concern about their health than women.” (9)

Women should have a major say in debates about the establishment of the Office of Men’s Health. We encourage every woman to contact Assistant Secretary of Health Brian Christine, and urge him to take prompt action to establish an Office of Men’s Health:

Telephone: 202-690-7694
Email:ASH@hhs.gov

SAVE – Stop Abusive and Violent Environments – is a 501(c)3 organization working to assure due process, fairness, and equal opportunities for men.

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