U.S. Representative David Scott (GA-13), joined by Rep. Abby Finkenauer (IA-01), recently led a group of Members of Congress to introduce H. Res. 888. This resolution expresses support for the designation of March 2020 as Endometriosis Awareness Month. Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States and an estimated 200 million women worldwide.
“I am blessed to be able to work with my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to establish Endometriosis Awareness Month, increasing awareness of this serious disease and bringing attention to the millions of women who are affected by it and often suffer in silence,” said Rep. Scott. “We will continue to push for high level treatments and increased research funding, so that we may better understand Endometriosis as we work toward eradicating this disease entirely.”
“As Chairwoman of the Congressional Endometriosis Caucus, and as a woman living with endometriosis, I am proud to join my colleagues to make sure endometriosis gets the attention that it deserves,” said Congresswoman Finkenauer. “Working through severe pain is part of life for millions of women all over this country, and it is time we stand up and fight for them. We need to up funding for endometriosis research and to do that we need to make sure people understand what this condition is. This resolution strengthens on our efforts this Endometriosis Awareness Month, and I am proud to help lead it.”
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that up to 50 percent of women with endometriosis are infertile. With such serious consequences, endometriosis demands a well-funded, coordinated response from Congress, as well as the attention of the American public. This resolution underscores the need for increased awareness of endometriosis to facilitate research, improve treatments, and find solutions.
Endometriosis does not discriminate in its severity. It affects women of all ages, races, and ethnicities. Women must know that they have the full support of their fellow Americans, the medical community, and the U.S. government. Endometriosis Awareness Month represents a continued commitment toward raising awareness and working together to find a cure.
Original cosponsors include:
Representatives Abby Finkenauer [IA-01], Bonnie Watson Coleman [NJ-12], Marcia Fudge [OH-11], Eddie Bernice Johnson [TX-30], Anthony G. Brown [MD-4], Val Butler Demings [FL-10], Jahana Hayes [CT-5], William Lacy Clay [MO-1], Al Green [TX-9], Al Lawson, Jr. [FL-5], Bennie G. Thompson [MS-2], Sanford Bishop [GA-2], Emanuel Cleaver [MO-5], James Clyburn [SC-6], G, K. Butterfield [NC-1], Alcee L. Hastings [FL-20], Gregory Meeks [NY-5], Sheila Jackson Lee [TX-18], Henry C. “Hank” Johnson [GA-4], Brenda Lawrence [MI-14], Karen Bass [CA-37], Frederica Wilson [FL-24], Pramila Jayapal [WA-7], and Yvette Clarke [NY-9].
