Supporting the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 256
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-24T19:12:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 256) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month. It aims to raise public awareness about endometriosis—a chronic gynecological condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—and highlights the need for better education, early detection, research, and treatment options.
Key Provisions
- Background on Endometriosis: The resolution outlines facts about the disease, including:
- It affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
- Causes are unknown, but risk factors include family history, early menstrual cycles, short cycles, and heavy, prolonged periods.
- Diagnosis often requires surgery (laparoscopy), with delays of 3–11 years from symptom onset, leading to misdiagnoses (in ~75% of cases), chronic pain, infertility, reduced quality of life, and high costs (over $13,000 per patient annually in direct healthcare).
- It impacts work (e.g., 40% report career impairment, 50% reduced work ability, 11 hours lost per workweek), relationships, fertility, and daily activities; patients average 18 bed days per year.
- No cure exists; management includes surgery, medications like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists (drugs that suppress hormones to reduce symptoms), and other treatments.
- Calls for more research, updated guidelines, public education, and culturally sensitive care.
- House Actions:
- Strongly supports the goals of Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- Recognizes the need for early detection, treatment, provider education, and competent care.
- Commits to funding research for better treatments, fertility support, and a potential cure.
- Encourages Americans to participate in awareness and educational activities during the month.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It does not amend any statutes but serves as a formal statement of congressional intent to prioritize endometriosis awareness and research.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public knowledge of endometriosis symptoms, risks, and challenges, potentially reducing diagnosis delays and improving quality of life for affected women (and families). It may encourage more people to seek care and participate in educational events.
- On Government Agencies: Signals support for federal funding (e.g., through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or National Institutes of Health) for research and resources, though no specific allocations are mandated. Could influence future health policy priorities.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but aligns with global women's health efforts and may foster international collaboration on research.
- Broader Effects: Highlights economic burdens (e.g., lost productivity, healthcare costs), potentially prompting private sector or state-level initiatives for support services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women with Endometriosis and Families: Primary beneficiaries through raised awareness and advocacy for better care and research.
- Healthcare Providers: Encouraged to improve education and culturally competent treatment (care sensitive to diverse backgrounds).
- Researchers and Medical Organizations: Benefits from expressed commitment to funding and clinical studies.
- Patient Advocacy Groups: Supported in their calls for public attention and resources.
- General Public and Employers: Informed about the condition's impacts, potentially leading to workplace accommodations or reduced stigma.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it is symbolic and limited to the House.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on public health under its broad legislative authority; no constitutional challenges anticipated.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for women's health issues, potentially boosting advocacy for related funding in appropriations bills. It underscores ongoing priorities in reproductive and chronic disease policy without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-26: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-26: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-26: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month. — issued 2025-03-26 — PDF (4 pages)