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U.S. Representatives David Scott (GA-13), chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, and Yvette Clarke (NY-9) today introduced a resolution recognizing July 2021 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that may increase a woman’s risk of experiencing complications during pregnancy. The resolution encourages the United States Congress to designate July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month to increase awareness and provide support for those who have or are presently suffering from the condition.

“Uterine fibroids represent one of the most prevalent reproductive health problems in the United States today, yet unfortunately, this issue has not received the attention or funding it deserves,” said Congressman David Scott. “Thousands of Georgia women and millions more across our nation are impacted by uterine fibroid tumors, and I am proud to support the work of advocacy organizations including the White Dress Project, Black Women’s Health Imperative and others to raise awareness about this condition by promoting July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.”

“Approximately 80 percent of Black women and 70 percent of White women will suffer from Uterine Fibroids by the age of 50. Additionally, Black women suffer from this pervasive ailment at a disproportionately earlier age, are 2.4 times more likely to undergo hysterectomy, and have a 6.8-fold increase of undergoing uterine-sparing myomectomy. This glaring health inequality must be addressed. To that end, I am so proud to join my colleague Rep. David Scott in recognizing July 2021 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month,” said Clarke. “This disease has ravaged the lives of women — particularly in the Black community — across the country, and increasing funding for research and public education related to fibroids is critical to reversing this devastating trend. Additionally, my bill H.R. 2007, The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021, which accompanies this recognition, is an essential first step towards making women’s healthcare a priority by addressing uterine fibroids. Specifically by establishing new research funding through NIH, totaling $150 million over five years; expanding CMS databases on chronic conditions to include information on services provided to individuals with fibroids; creating a public education program through the CDC, and directing HRSA to develop and disseminate fibroids information to health care providers. It is time for action, and we can not wait. Let this month and this bill a part of the change we need to combat this devastating ailment.”

National estimates place nearly a quarter of adult Black women under 30 with fibroids, compared to about 6% of white women. The number rises to 60% by the time those women reach 35 years of age. Black women are also two to three times more likely to have recurring fibroids or suffer from complications. Increasing awareness about uterine fibroids is critical 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.

The Uterine Fibroids Awareness Resolution is supported by leading organizations including The White Dress Project, Black Women's Health Imperative, and The Fibroid Foundation.

Click here to read the full resolution.

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