The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) was honored to join Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Robin Kelly (D-IL), along with representatives from the Fibroid Foundation and The White Dress Project, on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, July 12, for a press conference reintroducing the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023.
The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act is aimed at elevating uterine fibroids as the serious health issue it is by prioritizing research and public and provider education. Specifically, the bill would:
- Establish new research funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), totaling $150 million over five years;
- Expand a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) database on chronic conditions to include information on services provided to individuals with fibroids;
- Create a public education program through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and
- Direct the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to develop and disseminate fibroids information to health care providers.
SWHR has been a longtime proponent of legislation. SWHR formally endorsed this legislation when it was introduced in the 117th Congress and has worked alongside an informal coalition of advocates over the past several years to work to advance the bill.
In a press release from Rep. Clarke’s office announcing the reintroduction of the bill, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), who is the bill’s lead sponsor in the Senate, said, “Millions of Americans, especially Black women, are living with uterine fibroids and suffering from its devastating health impacts… We must continue raising awareness and investing in diagnostic and treatment options to alleviate the burden of uterine fibroids.” SWHR President and CEO Kathryn Schubert is also quoted in the press release:
“That there are still so many unknowns about uterine fibroids, especially given their prevalence and burden, is unacceptable… It has been more than 20 years since the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act was first introduced. Women’s health research is underfunded and undervalued, and the lack of attention to uterine fibroids and the health disparities associated with them are illustrative that we are long past due for action on this legislation. SWHR is grateful to Congresswoman Clarke for her continued efforts to take this legislation across the finish line and encourages other members of Congress to expeditiously pass this important legislation.”
View Ms. Schubert’s full remarks on Twitter, and join in the conversation online using #SWHRtalksFibroids.
SWHR President and CEO @k8eschubert gives remarks about the reintroduction of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act in the 118th Congress, at a press conference today. #FibroidsAwarenessMonth #SWHRtalksFibroids
https://t.co/Is1A4F2ITW— SWHR (@SWHR) July 12, 2023
For questions, please contact SWHR Chief Advocacy Officer Lindsey Horan.