[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 879 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 879

 Supporting the designation of July 2022 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness 
                                 Month.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 19, 2022

 Mr. David Scott of Georgia (for himself, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. 
 Moore of Wisconsin, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. McBath, 
   Ms. Norton, Ms. Pressley, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Connolly, Mrs. 
 Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Ms. Chu, and Ms. Williams of Georgia) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                         on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the designation of July 2022 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness 
                                 Month.

Whereas fibroids may cause significant morbidity through their presence in the 
        uterus and pelvic cavity, causing significant pelvic pain, abnormal 
        uterine bleeding, reproductive dysfunction, miscarriages, and even 
        infertility;
Whereas the pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms 
        of living with fibroids may significantly interfere with a woman's 
        quality of life, compromising her ability to function normally, work, or 
        care for her family, and may lead to more severe health and wellness 
        issues;
Whereas uterine fibroids are the most prevalent medical condition affecting 
        women, with an estimated 30 percent of women developing a uterine 
        fibroid by age 35, and 80 percent of women developing a uterine fibroid 
        by age 50;
Whereas the exact number of affected women is unknown, as early detection and 
        diagnosis are difficult because only 1 out of 4 women who have a uterine 
        fibroid exhibit symptoms severe enough to require treatment;
 Whereas the overall incidence of uterine fibroids is estimated to 
        disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic women, who also experience 
        more severe symptoms, resulting in an incidence rate that is 3 times 
        greater in women with Black ancestry and 2 times greater in Hispanic 
        women compared to Caucasian women;
Whereas a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, is among the most common 
        surgical treatments for uterine fibroids, and more than 200,000 
        hysterectomies are performed each year to treat uterine fibroids, at an 
        estimated annual cost of more than $2,000,000,000;
Whereas uterine fibroids were estimated to cost the United States $5,900,000,000 
        to $34,400,000,000 annually with an estimated annual lost work cost of 
        $1,600,000,000 to $17,200,000,000 through absenteeism and short-term 
        disability in women ages 25 to 54; and
Whereas public awareness and education campaigns on uterine fibroids prevention, 
        screening, and symptoms are held during the month of July each year: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of Uterine Fibroids 
        Awareness Month;
            (2) recognizes the disparity in incidence rates for Black 
        and Hispanic uterine fibroid patients;
            (3) recognizes the need for greater research, treatment, 
        and care options regarding uterine leiomyoma; and
            (4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation 
        calling upon the people of the United States to observe the 
        month with appropriate awareness and educational activities.
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