Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of the month of September as "PCOS Awareness Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 175

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-07T20:33:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 175) aims to recognize polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a serious health condition affecting women and girls, and to express support for designating September as "PCOS Awareness Month." It highlights the condition's impact on health and calls for increased awareness, research, and support.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes detailed background on PCOS through "Whereas" clauses, followed by a "Resolved" section with six main directives for the House of Representatives:

• Recognition of PCOS severity: Acknowledges PCOS as a disorder impacting cardiometabolic health (related to heart and metabolism), reproductive health, mental health, and overall quality of life.
• Support for Awareness Month goals: Endorses efforts to:
• Raise public awareness and education about PCOS and related conditions like type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterus lining), cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel issues), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and mental health disorders.
• Improve diagnosis and treatment.
• Share information on managing PCOS to prevent related health issues.
• Enhance quality of life for those affected.
• Call for research and better care: Emphasizes the need for more research, improved treatment options, and ultimately a cure for PCOS.
• Acknowledgment of challenges: Recognizes the struggles faced by women and girls with PCOS in the United States.
• Urging action from experts: Encourages medical researchers and healthcare professionals to deepen understanding of PCOS for better diagnosis and support.
• Encouragement for local support: Urges states, territories, and local governments to promote the goals of PCOS Awareness Month.

The background clauses describe PCOS as a hormonal imbalance affecting 5-10 million U.S. women (8-13% globally), with symptoms like infertility, irregular periods, acne, weight gain, hair growth issues, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, and mental health problems. It notes high risks for comorbidities (co-occurring conditions) such as diabetes, heart disease, cancers, and psychosocial issues, plus an annual U.S. cost of $4.36 billion (from 2004 data, excluding some long-term costs). It also mentions that up to 50% of cases are undiagnosed, with genetic and insulin resistance links, and no known cure.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Could increase public awareness, leading to earlier diagnosis and better management of PCOS for the estimated 5-10 million affected U.S. women and girls, potentially reducing health risks and improving mental and reproductive outcomes. It may encourage more women to seek care and reduce stigma around symptoms.
• On government agencies: May prompt federal health agencies (e.g., those under the Department of Health and Human Services) to prioritize PCOS in public education or research funding, though not mandated. It encourages state and local governments to support awareness initiatives, possibly through public health campaigns.
• On international relations: Minimal direct impact, but by highlighting global prevalence (8-13%), it could foster international collaboration on research or awareness, aligning with broader women's health efforts.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Women and girls with PCOS: Primary beneficiaries through raised awareness, better diagnosis, and potential improvements in care and quality of life.
• Healthcare professionals and researchers: Encouraged to advance understanding, diagnosis, and treatments, which could influence medical training and funding priorities.
• General public and families: Benefits from education on PCOS symptoms and risks, promoting empathy and support.
• Bipartisan lawmakers and committees: Sponsored by a diverse group of House members (Democrats and Republicans), referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, indicating broad political support.
• State and local governments: Urged to participate in awareness efforts, potentially affecting public health programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution expressing opinion without legal force. It aligns with Congress's power to recognize health issues under its oversight of public welfare, posing no constitutional challenges.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus (introduced by 30+ members from both parties), signaling strong congressional interest in women's health. It could build momentum for future funding or legislation on PCOS research, similar to awareness months for other conditions (e.g., breast cancer), and highlights ongoing efforts to address underdiagnosed women's health issues without partisan controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13]

Cosponsors (44)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-02-27: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of the month of September as "PCOS Awareness Month". — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (5 pages)