Growth in what is typically called “FemTech” — defined as diagnostic tools, products, and services related to women’s health — has exploded over the past decade. As recently as 2013, less than $200 million was being invested in the field, but funding reached $2.5 billion in 2021, with projections predicting a continued ascent.
How Abortion Bans Will Stifle Health Care Innovation
Investment in FemTech — diagnostic tools, products, and services related to women’s health — has exploded over the past decade. The Dobbs decision threatens its future.
August 08, 2022
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Summary.
Investment in what is typically called “FemTech” – defined as diagnostic tools, products, and services related to women’s health — has exploded over the past decade. Some of the most promising ventures have been focused on reproductive care. Then came the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The legal and policy restrictions on reproductive health care that result from this decision will not only have swift impact on people who can get pregnant and their families, it will also undermine critical areas of research, innovation, and progress toward more equitable health care outcomes. Among the areas of concern: fertility treatments like IVF; personal data collection and the ability to drive research; a limiting of new investment and curbing of health care innovation more broadly; and the introduction of new obstacles for women founders.