Survey Finds Women Willing to Join Clinical Trials

Most of 5,301 surveyed women say they would participate in research, yet few have ever been invited to enroll.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Women’s Health

Bold vector editorial illustration of a row of empty clinic chairs with one pulled out, facing an open doorway letting in light. — A survey of 5,301 women published in Scientific Reports found 88% would join clinical trials, yet only 11% were ever invited to enroll. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

If invited, would you be willing to join a clinical trial?

A survey of 5,301 women aged 18 to 70, published in Scientific Reports, found that 88% endorse women's inclusion and sex-specific reporting in clinical research. Only 11% of respondents said they had ever been invited to take part in a clinical study, and 7% of those invited enrolled.

Why it matters

The gap between stated willingness and actual invitations suggests that recruitment practices, rather than women's interest, may limit representation in clinical trials. The authors say participation is shaped by social and structural determinants.

Among 4,987 respondents reporting race, 77% were White, 14% Black, and 7% Asian, and willingness to participate was lower among Black women than White women in adjusted models. The survey measures stated willingness, so it does not confirm actual enrollment rates.

The players

Scientific Reports

A peer-reviewed open-access journal published by Nature Portfolio that publishes research across the natural and health sciences.

The details

Researchers asked women aged 18 to 70 about their willingness to join trials and analyzed results alongside socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and self-reported health. Higher educational attainment and multimorbidity predicted greater willingness to participate.

November 9, 2026: Survey results published in Scientific Reports.

Health Landscape

Federal guidance has encouraged the inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials for decades. This survey shifts attention from enrollment rules to whether women are being asked to participate at all.

Women who want to take part in research may need to ask their providers or search trial registries directly, since invitations appear uncommon. The findings suggest that trial access depends partly on whether recruiters reach out.

The takeaway

Women interested in clinical research can ask their healthcare providers about open trials, since the survey suggests invitations are rare. Asking directly may be the most practical route to participation.