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Today, Congressman David Scott announced his sponsorship of H.Res. 1040, a resolution recognizing July 2020 as Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month.

“Thousands of women in Georgia and millions more across the country are affected by uterine fibroids, which represent one of the most prevalent reproductive health problems in the United States today,” said Scott. “In fact, by age 50, roughly 70% of White women and 80% of Black women will be diagnosed with uterine fibroids. The White Dress Project, Black Women’s Health Imperative, and other advocacy organizations have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about this condition and support women seeking treatment. Although this issue directly impacts the maternal mortality crisis, the research and awareness programs on uterine fibroids have not reflected adequate levels of funding or awareness. That is why I am actively promoting July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month this year to support efforts to educate more women about their treatment options.”

Increasing awareness about uterine fibroids is critical in order to address the national maternal mortality crisis and prevalence of pregnancy-related deaths. Research has shown that African American and Latina women are disproportionately impacted by uterine fibroid tumors, and unfortunately, this issue has not received the attention, or funding, that it deserves.

The Uterine Fibroids Awareness Resolution is supported by the Black Women’s Health Imperative and White Dress Project.

“Nearly 80% of Black women will have uterine fibroids by age 50,” said Linda Goler Blount, President and CEO of Black Women’s Health Imperative. “The Uterine Fibroid Awareness Resolution is a step in the right direction.  It will facilitate meaningful discussions about the full range of available treatment options for fibroids and advance policies that address reproductive health challenges.”

“Organizations like The White Dress Project rely on the continued investment of resources and congressional appropriations to make advancements in research, development, and treatment of diseases and disorders like uterine fibroids,” said Tanika Gray Valbrun, Founder of The White Dress Project and a constituent of Georgia’s Thirteenth District. “We are proud to support legislative action, like the Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month Resolution, that will help eliminate the prevalent reproductive health issues plaguing millions of women across the country.”

The Uterine Fibroids Awareness Resolution is cosponsored by: Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Gerald Connolly (D-VA), Gwen Moore (D-WI) Will Hurd (R-TX), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ).

Click here to read the full bill text.