[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 27, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H2878-H2879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     INTRODUCTION OF HPV RESOLUTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Connecticut [Ms. DeLauro] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce and celebrate 
the introduction of the Women's Health Equity Act of 1996. Included in 
the omnibus legislation are two bills that I have authored, the HPV 
Infection and Cervical Cancer Research Resolution, which I will 
introduce today, and the Equitable Health Care for Neurobiological 
Disorders Act of 1996. Both measures will enhance the length and 
quality of life for women in this country, and should be enacted by 
this Congress.
  First, I am proud to introduce the HPV Infection and Cervical Cancer 
Research Resolution. This vital legislation will speed the detection 
and diagnosis of cervical cancer, and will, in fact, help to save 
women's lives. Early detection is the most effective method of stopping 
this killer of women. I know. I am a survivor of ovarian cancer, and 
early detection saved my life.
  My measure expresses the sense of Congress that the National Cancer 
Institute and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 
should conduct collaborative basic and clinical research on the human 
papilloma virus [HPV] diagnosis and prevention as an indicator for 
cervical cancer.
  Approximately 16,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each 
year, and about 4,800 women die from this disease annually. However, if 
cervical cancer is detected while in its earliest in situ state, the 
likelihood of survival is almost 100 percent. HPV is a known risk 
factor for cervical cancer. Of the more than 70 types of HPV that have 
been identified, two types, types 16 and 18 in particular, have a 
strong linkage to cervical cancer.
  With further study of the natural history of HPV and its association 
to the development of cervical cancer, HPV testing may prove to be an 
effective tool to aid the early diagnosis of this deadly disease. 
Therefore, it is appropriate to recommend basic and clinical research 
to determine how to utilize this data in the screening of women in 
clinics and hospitals across the country. My legislation will bridge 
the gap between new scientific discoveries about the linkage of HPV 
with cervical cancer and practical application of that knowledge by 
physicians and qualified health specialists in local communities.

  The legislation has received the endorsement of the American Social 
Health Association. In addition, I am proud to include my bill in the 
Women's Health Equity Act of 1996.
  In addition, I have introduced H.R. 1797, the Equitable Health Care 
for Neurobiological Disorders Act, into the Women's Health Equity Act 
of 1996. This legislation requires nondiscriminatory treatment of 
neurobiological disorders in employer health benefit plans. Under my 
bill, insurance coverage must be provided in a manner that is 
consistent with coverage for other major illnesses. Neurobiological 
disorders, include affective disorders like major depression, anxiety 
disorders, autism, schizophrenia, and Tourette's syndrome.
  Currently, in short, individuals with neurobiological disorders 
receive much less insurance coverage than illnesses such as cancer, 
heart disease, or diabetes. This in equality contributes to the myth 
that such disorders are not physical illnesses and somehow they are the 
fault of the patient. For the individuals and the families affected by 
these disorders, the ordeal of coping with the

[[Page H2879]]

disease is often compounded by severe financial burdens. My legislation 
recognizes the physical basis for many mental disorders, and requires 
their equal health coverage.
  Just as the Kennedy-Kassebaum-Roukema health insurance reform bill 
addresses the need to ensure access to health care for Americans who 
change jobs, my bill ensures access to health care for Americans who 
suffer from mental disorders.

                              {time}  1430

  Both job portability and comprehensive coverage are key access issues 
in the health reform discussion. Without comprehensive coverage or 
health insurance portability, millions of Americans will be forced to 
seek treatment in expensive health care settings, like emergency rooms, 
or drain other social service institutions.
  Mental disorders severely impact the health and the quality of life 
for millions of women throughout the Nation. Clearly, the equitable 
insurance coverage for mental disorders is an issue for all of us in 
society, as it is a women's health concern, as well.
  Treatments for mental illnesses like depression exist and have a very 
high rate of success; therefore, it is essential that women suffering 
from neurobiological disorders have access to the care that they need.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to announce the introduction of these two 
bills. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor and enact the omnibus bill.

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