Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it has caused, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.Res. 342

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2025-05-19T14:11:55Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 342) aims to acknowledge the historical use of diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen drug, and the significant health harms it caused to millions of people, particularly those exposed in the womb. It seeks to raise awareness about DES-related issues, support ongoing research, and encourage accountability from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Key Provisions

• Recognition of DES History and Harm: The resolution outlines the background of DES, including its FDA approval in the 1940s, widespread prescription to 5-10 million pregnant women until 1971 to prevent miscarriages, and its links to rare cancers (like clear cell adenocarcinoma in the vagina and cervix, affecting "DES Daughters"), fertility issues, pregnancy complications, and other health challenges.
• Support for Awareness Week: Expresses backing for designating April 20-26, 2025, as "DES Awareness Week" to educate the public.
• Funding Restoration: Calls for reinstating funding for the DES Follow-Up Study, a long-term research effort tracking health effects in DES-exposed individuals.
• Call for Apology: Urges the FDA to issue a formal apology to affected families, noting that while the agency has acknowledged the harm, it has not yet done so officially.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It does not amend statutes, regulations, or prior FDA actions (such as the 1971 ban on DES use in pregnancy). Instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support and encouragement for future actions.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Could pressure the FDA to issue an apology, potentially improving public trust in the agency. It may also influence the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or similar bodies to restore funding for the DES Follow-Up Study, aiding long-term health monitoring and research.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of DES-related health risks, which could encourage affected individuals (now in their 50s-70s) to seek medical care or support services. It highlights ongoing needs for those facing fertility, cancer, and mental health issues.
• On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the resolution focuses on U.S.-specific history and FDA actions; however, it could indirectly support global discussions on drug safety and endocrine disruptors (chemicals that interfere with hormone systems).

Main Stakeholders Affected

• DES Victims and Families: Primarily "DES Daughters" (women exposed in utero) and their relatives, who have suffered cancers, reproductive health issues, and other conditions; the resolution validates their experiences and seeks apologies and research support.
• Healthcare and Research Community: Researchers involved in the DES Follow-Up Study and medical professionals treating DES-related conditions, who could benefit from renewed funding.
• Government Entities: The FDA (urged to apologize) and congressional committees like Energy and Commerce (where the resolution was referred), potentially guiding future oversight on drug approvals.
• Public Health Advocates: Groups focused on women's health, drug safety, and endocrine disruptors, who may use this resolution to push for broader reforms.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No direct legal effects, as resolutions like this are expressive rather than prescriptive (they do not create laws or obligations). It could, however, inform future litigation or settlements related to DES harms by establishing a congressional record of acknowledgment.
• Constitutional: Neutral; it aligns with Congress's power to express views on public health matters under Article I, without infringing on executive branch functions like FDA operations.
• Political: Highlights government accountability for past drug approvals, potentially fueling debates on regulatory failures and the need for apologies in public health scandals. It may encourage bipartisan support for women's health initiatives and influence budget priorities for research funding, though its non-binding nature limits immediate action.

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

Sponsor

Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-04-21: Submitted in House
• 2025-04-21: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it has caused, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-04-21 — PDF (2 pages)