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WASHINGTON ­­­–U.S. Representatives David Scott (GA-13), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) today announced H.Res.471, a resolution to recognize the impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and designate the month of September 2021 as “PCOS Awareness Month.” Co-sponsored by more than 87 members of the House, the bipartisan resolution marks Congressman David Scott’s continued commitment to making PCOS a central focus in the 117^th Congress.

Though PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder, few healthcare providers are familiar with the condition and women living with PCOS are often misdiagnosed or have their symptoms ignored. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50 percent of people with PCOS develop Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes by the age of 40 and are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, uterine cancer, liver disease and suicide. 

“In the richest nation on earth, Georgia moms are dying at the highest rate in the developed world. Increasing awareness about polycystic ovary syndrome is critical to our efforts to address the national maternal mortality crisis and prevent pregnancy-related deaths,” said lead sponsor Congressman David Scott. “I am committed to the ongoing work to mitigate stark maternal health outcomes in my district and across the country with comprehensive prenatal and perinatal awareness and care.”

“More research and resources must be directed to better diagnose, treat, and understand this health issue that impacts millions of women across the country,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan resolution to promote enhanced diagnosis and treatment and stand with women and girls that have been affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.”

Pregnant people with polycystic ovary syndrome are more likely to experience infertility or miscarriages, develop preeclampsia (pregnancy-related hypertension) and have emergency C-sections. Without access to quality prenatal care, many African American women with PCOS are not diagnosed until they have difficulty getting pregnant or experience dangerous pregnancy complications. 

Georgia leads the nation in maternal mortality rates, and for Black women, the statistics are more grave. Regardless of their social status, income, or education, black women in Georgia are nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. Congressman David Scott is a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and has backed several bills to ensure women and their children get the best treatment possible.

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