2024 Senate Resolution 143

Whereas, Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus or pelvic cavity that can lead to significant pelvic pain, reproductive dysfunction, abnormal uterine bleeding, miscarriages, and infertility; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids can vary in number, size, and severity depending on the location and will sometimes lead to the distortion of the inside and outside of the uterus, or in some cases, can cause extreme pain when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and starts to die, ultimately leading to more serious health complications; and

Whereas, The pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms of living with fibroids may interfere with a woman’s quality of life, affecting their personal and professional life, as well as their overall health and well-being; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids are one of the most common medical conditions among women, affecting an estimated 26 million women in the United States during their reproductive years, with the likelihood of developing the condition increasing with age; and

Whereas, Despite the prevalence of uterine fibroids, statistics on this condition are often underestimated, as many women remain undiagnosed or do not seek medical care for their symptoms. This is due to limited knowledge regarding fibroids and normal menstruation that may lead to a distorted view of what is normal with regard to uterine bleeding; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids disproportionately impact women of color, as Black women are diagnosed with fibroids roughly three times as frequently as Caucasian women, with women of color being more prone to develop the condition earlier in life and also tend to experience larger and more numerous fibroids that cause more severe symptoms; and

Whereas, The diagnosis of fibroids starts with detection during a routine pelvic exam, but can lead to more complex testing, including a pelvic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hysterosalpingography, or a hysteroscopy; and

Whereas, A woman’s fertility can be affected by uterine fibroids in a variety of ways, including the possibility of the fibroids growing and blocking the uterus or fallopian tubes, making it harder to become pregnant. Other negative impacts include miscarriage, abnormal attachment of the placenta, increased likelihood of delivery by cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage; and

Whereas, Treatments for uterine fibroids range from medicinal to surgical approaches, depending on the severity of the case, symptoms, location and size of the fibroids, age, medical history, and a woman’s health goals. Medicinal approaches include anti-inflammatory painkillers and hormonal treatments like oral contraceptive pills or progesterone-containing agents. Surgical approaches include a myomectomy, a procedure during which the fibroids are removed but the uterus stays intact to preserve a women’s fertility; and

Whereas, A hysterectomy, or removal of the entire uterus, is among the most common surgical treatments for uterine fibroids. Fibroids are the number one reason for hysterectomies in the United States, which are major surgeries that can be more extensive depending on the size of the uterine fibroids; and

Whereas, Uterine fibroids were estimated to cost the United States $5.9 to $34.4 billion annually with an estimated annual lost work cost of $1.55 to $17.2 billion annually, due to the absenteeism and short-term disability among women ages 25-54; and

Whereas, Public awareness and education about uterine fibroids is critical to increase knowledge about this condition and improve prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize October 2024 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month. We recognize the disparities in incidence rates for Black and Hispanic uterine fibroid patients and urge greater research, data collection, treatment, and care options for uterine fibroids.