H.R. 6383, the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2020 was introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke of NY, Rep Robin Kelly of Illinois and Rep Bonnie Watson-Coleman of NJ and currently has 32 cosponsors in the House. This bill would expand and coordinate uterine fibroid research programs under government agency oversight. It would provide $30 million for coordinated research programs at the National Institutes of Health and also calls for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to collect data regarding coverage and treatment of women with uterine fibroids receiving care under a state Medicaid plan. Finally, it would prompt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to work in conjunction to improve public education on uterine fibroids.
As we stated in our recent blog more than 80 percent of Black women and about 70 percent of white women develop fibroids by the time they reach menopause. Black women develop earlier onset fibroids that tend to become larger and more numerous as compared with other women, but much more research is needed to understand this disease and its impact across different populations of women. Education among health care providers and patients on uterine fibroids is also needed. Please contact your representative to encourage passage of this needed bill.
Phyllis Leppert, President
Addendum:
U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris on July 30 introduced the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act, legislation to initiate crucial research and education in relation to uterine fibroids and ensure women get the information and care they need. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-11) introduced this legislation in the House of Representatives.
“Millions of women across the country are affected by uterine fibroids, which can present serious health complications,” said Senator Harris. “Complications from uterine fibroids can lead to maternal mortality and morbidity, an ongoing crisis especially for Black women. We have an opportunity to change that with the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act. I’m proud to work with Congresswoman Clarke to ensure that women get the care, support, and knowledge they need.”
What is so good about this bill is that it will provide for needed education of women about uterine fibroids and encourage them to seek the care they need.