[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 41 (Monday, April 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. CARNAHAN (for herself, Ms. Mikulski, and Mr. Jeffords):
  S. 2122. A bill to provide for an increase in funding for research on 
uterine fibroids through the National Institutes of Health, and to 
provide for a program to provide information and education to the 
public on such fibroids; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor 
and Pensions.
  Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, today I am proud to introduce the 
Uterine Fibroids Research and Education Act 2002. This bipartisan 
legislation addresses a serious health problem that affects women 
during their reproductive years. At least twenty to thirty percent of 
all women aged 35 and older have symptomatic fibroids that require 
treatment. This number rises to approximately fifty percent for 
African-American women.
  I am pleased that two of my colleagues, Senator Jeffords and Senator 
Mikulski, are joining me in sponsoring this legislation. Both are 
strong advocates for women's health.
  Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that impact the reproductive 
health of women, particularly minority women. If they go undetected or 
untreated, uterine fibroids can lead to childbirth complications or 
infertility, among other things.
  For those who do seek treatment, the option prescribed most often is 
a hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids are the top reason for hysterectomies 
currently being performed in this country. A hysterectomy is a major 
operation--the average recovery time is six weeks. This is just the 
physical impact, the emotional impact lasts much longer.
  We need to invest additional resources in research, so that there are 
more treatment options for women, including options less drastic than a 
hysterectomy. We also need to increase awareness of uterine fibroids, 
so that more women will recognize the symptoms and seek treatment.
  To accomplish both of these goals we need a sustained Federal 
commitment to better understanding uterine fibroids. That is why I am 
introducing this legislation today.
  My bill has two components. First, it authorizes $10 million for the 
National Institutes of Health, (NIH), for each of our years to conduct 
research on uterine fibroids.
  Second, the bill supports a public awareness campaign. It calls on 
the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to 
carry out a program to provide information and education to the public 
regarding uterine fibroids. The content of the program shall include 
information on the incidence and prevalence of uterine fibroids and the 
elevated risk for minority women. The Secretary shall have the 
authority to carry out the program either directly or through contract.
  This legislation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of 
women and their families across this country. I encourage the entire 
Senate to support this important legislation.
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