Women’s Health Startups Face Uncertain Future: Risks and Opportunities in a Second Trump Term

The women’s health industry has emerged as a powerhouse of innovation, addressing long-overlooked gaps in healthcare. The global femtech market—valued at over $40 billion—is booming, fueled by advancements in telehealth, AI-driven diagnostics, and a growing demand for personalized care.

During Trump's first administration, Trump’s policies reshaped healthcare regulations, particularly around reproductive rights, Medicaid funding, and digital health accessibility. His second administration could reinstate past policies or introduce new ones that impact women’s health startups—especially those focused on reproductive healthcare and insurance-dependent services.

Here, we’ll explore how this political change could impact women’s health startups, what businesses should prepare for, and how they can thrive in an era of uncertainty.

The Rise of Women’s Health Startups

Women’s health startups have emerged as a powerful force, tackling issues like reproductive health, maternal care, and hormonal imbalances. Companies like Maven Clinic, Flo Health, and Modern Fertility have gained traction by leveraging technology, data, and a deep understanding of women’s health needs.  

The global women’s health market is projected to reach $58.4 billion by 2027, driven by increasing awareness and demand for personalized care. However, the industry’s growth is closely tied to political and regulatory environments, particularly in the U.S., where policies on reproductive rights and healthcare access have far-reaching implications.

Potential Risks for Women’s Health Startups

1. Restrictions on Reproductive Health Services

This second Trump term could bring back policies limiting access to abortion and contraception. During his first term, Trump’s administration restricted funding for clinics offering both abortion and contraception services under the Title X program, leading to a reduction in the number of clinics serving low-income women. A repeat of these policies could challenge startups offering reproductive health services, such as telemedicine providers for medication abortion and contraceptive delivery services.

2. Regulatory Uncertainty for Digital Health Solutions

Telemedicine and AI-driven health solutions have revolutionized women’s healthcare, offering convenience and accessibility. However, a second Trump term could mean stricter regulations on digital health, particularly for online prescriptions of reproductive healthcare products like abortion pills. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could reimpose restrictions, limiting startups’ ability to provide medication abortion via telehealth.

3. Medicaid and Insurance Changes

Healthcare startups often rely on Medicaid reimbursement and insurance partnerships to provide affordable services. Trump’s previous policies aimed to reduce government spending on healthcare, which could result in lower Medicaid coverage for women’s health services. If Medicaid expansion is rolled back, startups serving low-income populations could struggle with decreased patient access and revenue.

A Second Trump Term: Potential Rewards

1. Innovation in Femtech and AI

The global femtech market is expected to reach $103 billion by 2030, driven by advancements in AI, wearable health devices, and digital health apps. Despite regulatory risks, startups that focus on general women’s wellness (menstrual tracking, menopause support, maternal health) may continue to thrive, especially with private and international investors backing the industry.

2. Increased Focus on Mental Health

The conversation around women’s mental health is gaining traction, particularly in areas like postpartum depression and menopause-related anxiety. The Trump administration’s emphasis on mental health initiatives could create opportunities for startups addressing women’s mental well-being. Startups offering therapy, digital support groups, and mental health tracking tools could find new growth avenues, especially if traditional healthcare funding declines.

3. Expansion into Global Markets

Expanding into international markets can provide a buffer against domestic policy changes. U.S.-based women’s health startups could look beyond domestic borders to expand into Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where policies may be more favorable. Countries with progressive women’s health regulations and strong digital health adoption (such as Canada, the UK, and parts of the EU) offer promising opportunities for expansion.

Strategies for Women’s Health Startups

• Diversify Offerings: Startups can mitigate risks by diversifying their product lines. For example, a company focused on fertility could expand into menopause care or general wellness, reducing reliance on politically sensitive areas.

• Leverage Technology: Investing in telehealth, AI, and data analytics can help startups reach global audiences and reduce dependence on local regulations. Virtual care platforms, for instance, can serve women in regions with limited access to healthcare.

• Advocate for Policy Change: Women’s health startups can join forces with advocacy groups to influence policy and protect reproductive rights. By engaging in the political process, they can help shape a more favorable regulatory environment.

The Global Perspective

The U.S. remains a leader in health tech and innovation, meaning changes in policy could ripple across the globe. Startups based outside the U.S. that rely on American investors, regulatory models, or partnerships could see shifts in funding priorities. Additionally, if restrictions on abortion and contraception increase in the U.S., international women’s health organizations may step up to fill the gap.

As the women’s health industry evolves, one thing is clear: the demand for innovative solutions is stronger than ever. By diversifying offerings, leveraging technology, and focusing on global markets, startups can adopt a global mindset, continue to empower women worldwide and drive meaningful change.