Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 372
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-02T20:18:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 372) aims to acknowledge the negative effects of stigma surrounding menstruation on women, girls, and others who menstruate. It expresses support for designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month" to promote education, access to resources, and reduced discrimination related to menstrual health.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"): Highlights facts such as:
- Menstruation affects most women for about 40 years of their lives.
- Globally, 500 million people lack access to menstrual products, clean water, and sanitation for hygiene.
- Menstruation ties into human dignity and rights like education, work, housing, and freedom from discrimination.
- In the U.S., 6,000 women enter menopause daily, and stigma limits participation in school, work, and religious activities.
- Lack of resources causes stress, shame, and mental health issues; women's health research on conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (hormonal disorders affecting the ovaries) is underfunded.
- Improving menstrual health advances gender equity and economic opportunities.
- Resolved Actions: The House of Representatives:
- Supports the goals of National Menstrual Health Awareness Month, including normalizing menstruation, educating youth on its health impacts, developing better education and care standards, and improving access to treatment for menstrual-related conditions like painful periods (dysmenorrhea), fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and menopause.
- Acknowledges the need for menstrual products and safe sanitation in schools and workplaces, both in the U.S. and globally.
- Recognizes efforts to promote health equity and reduce stigma's burdens.
- Calls for expanded research and education on menstrual health conditions.
- Endorses designating May as National Menstrual Health Awareness Month.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support rather than amending statutes or creating new obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage better access to education, products, and healthcare for menstrual health, potentially improving mental and physical well-being for millions affected by related conditions.
- On Government Agencies: May prompt agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services or Education to prioritize menstrual health in programs, funding, or guidelines, though without direct mandates.
- On International Relations: By noting global issues, it signals U.S. support for international efforts on menstrual equity, possibly influencing aid or partnerships with organizations like the United Nations or World Bank.
- Overall, impacts are primarily educational and cultural, fostering long-term societal shifts toward gender and health equity without immediate fiscal or regulatory effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women, Girls, and People Who Menstruate: Primary beneficiaries through reduced stigma and better health resources.
- Educators and Schools: Encouraged to integrate menstrual health education.
- Healthcare Providers and Researchers: Supported in expanding studies and treatments for menstrual conditions.
- Employers and Workplaces: Prompted to ensure sanitation and product access.
- Policymakers and Advocacy Groups: Gains congressional backing to advance related initiatives.
- Global Communities: Indirectly affected via recognition of worldwide access issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it expresses the House's view only.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to recognize awareness months and promote public health under general welfare clauses, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Represents bipartisan or multipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for gender equity issues; could build momentum for future binding legislation on health access or anti-discrimination, while highlighting underfunded areas in women's health research.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (19)
Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-01: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-05-01: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-01: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month". — issued 2025-05-01 — PDF (4 pages)