Supporting the designation of July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 579
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-25T12:19:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 579) aims to raise awareness about uterine fibroids, a common non-cancerous growth in the uterus that affects women's health. It supports designating July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month to educate the public on prevention, symptoms, screening, and the condition's impacts, particularly on quality of life, work, and family care.
Key Provisions
- Background on Uterine Fibroids: The resolution outlines facts, including:
- Fibroids cause pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, reproductive issues like miscarriages or infertility, and emotional stress.
- They affect about 30% of women by age 35 and 80% by age 50, but many go undiagnosed because symptoms are not always severe.
- Black women face three times the incidence rate and more severe symptoms compared to white women; Hispanic women face twice the rate.
- Treatments like hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) are common, costing over $2 billion annually, with total economic costs (including lost work) estimated at $5.9 billion to $34.4 billion per year.
- House Actions:
- Supports the goals of Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month.
- Recognizes higher incidence and severity among Black and Hispanic women.
- Calls for more research, treatment, and care options for uterine fibroids (also called uterine leiomyoma, a medical term for these benign tumors).
- Encourages the President to issue a proclamation urging Americans to observe July with awareness and educational activities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It expresses the House of Representatives' support but does not mandate actions or allocate funds.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public education and awareness, leading to earlier detection and better management of fibroids, especially for underserved groups like Black and Hispanic women. This might reduce health disparities, improve quality of life, and decrease economic losses from absenteeism or disability.
- On Government Agencies: May prompt voluntary actions, such as proclamations from the President or awareness campaigns by health agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, but no direct requirements or funding.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic health awareness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Women with Uterine Fibroids: Primary beneficiaries through heightened awareness and potential advocacy for better care.
- Black and Hispanic Communities: Highlighted for disproportionate effects, potentially leading to targeted health initiatives.
- Healthcare Providers and Researchers: Encouraged to expand research and treatment options.
- Women's Health Organizations: Groups focused on reproductive health may use this to amplify campaigns.
- Government Officials: The House, President, and health policymakers could be involved in promotional efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are symbolic and do not create enforceable law or alter constitutional rights. They fall under Congress's power to express views on public issues.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for women's health equity, potentially influencing future legislation on reproductive health funding or disparities. It underscores ongoing efforts to address racial and ethnic health inequities without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (21)
Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-14: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-07-14: Submitted in House
- 2025-07-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month. — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (3 pages)