Advocating For Research & More

Uterine Fibroids-- Getting Involved

Three in every four American women suffer from uterine fibroids. African American women are affected in even greater numbers. Very little is known about fibroids and treatment options are limited.

There are two very prominent advocates for this particular women’s health issue on Capitol Hill. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) recently re- introduced legislation in the United States Senate that would increase funding for research and education on uterine fibroids. Identical legislation was re- introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH).

Senator Mikulski introduced the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act in June 2005 with the hope that new and better treatments or possibly a cure for uterine fibroids are found. Senator Mikulski has been on the front line fighting for women’s issues for many, many years. She wants to ensure that women get the health treatment they need and deserve.

This legislation will authorize $30 million in federal funding each year for five years, and would be used to research the cause of uterine fibroids, determine why African American women are affected in such higher numbers, and find ways to prevent and treat fibroids. In addition, a portion of the funding would be allocated to create an educational program for doctors and their patients. The mission of the educational program would be to provide information so doctors and patients are better informed when making health-related decisions.

Please e-mail or send a letter by regular mail to your US Senator and Congressional Representative asking that they support S 1289 and HR 3034 The Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2005. Go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm for contact information on your senator and www.house.gov/writerep for contact information on your representative.

Here is a sample letter you may use.

TWSHF will keep you updated on the progress of the Act.

If you have had a hysterectomy, please take our hysterectomy survey at http://www.twshf.org/survey.html.

Thank you