Congressional Record Testimony on Fibroids

[Guest guest]

Congressional Record testimony from Senator Carnahan, April 15, 2002:

By Mrs. CARNAHAN (for herself, Ms. MIKULSKI, and Mr. JEFFORDS):

S. 2122. A bill to provide for an increase in funding for research on

uterine fibroids through the National Institutes of Health, and to

provide for a program to provide information and education to the public

on such fibroids ; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and

Pensions.

Mrs. CARNAHAN. Madam President, today I am proud to introduce the

Uterine Fibroids Research and Education Act 2002. This bipartisan

legislation addresses a serious health problem that affects women during

their reproductive years. At least twenty to thirty percent of all women

aged 35 and older have symptomatic fibroids that require treatment. This

number rises to approximately fifty percent for African-American women.

I am pleased that two of my colleagues, Senator JEFFORDS and Senator

MIKULSKI, are joining me in sponsoring this legislation. Both are strong

advocates for women's health.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that impact the reproductive

health of women, particularly minority women. If they go undetected or

untreated, uterine fibroids can lead to childbirth complications or

infertility, among other things.

For those who do seek treatment, the option prescribed most often is

a hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids are the top reason for hysterectomies

currently being performed in this country. A hysterectomy is a major

operation--the average recovery time is six weeks. This is just the

physical impact, the emotional impact lasts much longer.

We need to invest additional resources in research, so that there are

more treatment options for women, including options less drastic than a

hysterectomy. We also need to increase awareness of uterine fibroids,

so that more women will recognize the symptoms and seek treatment.

To accomplish both of these goals we need a sustained Federal

commitment to better understanding uterine fibroids. That is why I am

introducing this legislation today.

My bill has two components. First, it authorizes $10 million for the

National Institutes of Health, (NIH), for each of four years to conduct

research on uterine fibroids.

Second, the bill supports a public awareness campaign. It calls on

the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to

carry out a program to provide information and education to the public

regarding uterine fibroids . The content of the program shall include

information on the incidence and prevalence of uterine fibroids and the

elevated risk for minority women. The Secretary shall have the authority

to carry out the program either directly or through contract.

This legislation will make a meaningful difference in the lives of

women and their families across this country. I encourage the entire

Senate to support this important legislation.