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This measure would proclaim the month of July 2018 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month in California and would recognize the need for greater research, treatment, and care options regarding uterine fibroids.

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WHEREAS, Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus (womb) in women of childbearing age, with no scientific confirmation of what causes the tumors; and

WHEREAS, Uterine fibroids may cause significant morbidity through their presence in the uterus and pelvic cavity. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include significant pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, reproductive dysfunction, miscarriages, early labor, and even infertility; and

WHEREAS, The pain, discomfort, stress, and other physical and emotional symptoms of living with uterine fibroids may significantly interfere with a womans quality of life, compromise her ability to function normally, work, or care for her family, and lead to more severe health and wellness issues; and

WHEREAS, Uterine fibroids are the most prevalent medical condition affecting women, with an estimated 30 percent of women developing a uterine fibroid by 35 years of age, and 80 percent of women developing a uterine fibroid by 50 years of age; and

WHEREAS, The exact number of affected women is unknown, as detection and diagnosis are difficult. Only one out of four women who have a uterine fibroid tumor exhibits symptoms severe enough to require treatment; and

WHEREAS, To properly diagnose uterine fibroids, access to health care is essential, as screening tests could include ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays, and computerized tomography (CT) scans. Beyond diagnosis, surgery options include a myomectomy, which could potentially yield conception and full-term pregnancy complications, or a hysterectomy, which would make a woman unable to bear children. Invasive procedures like a myomectomy, however, are not recommended for women who want to conceive; and

WHEREAS, Fertility support, which is very common for women with uterine fibroids, is strongly contingent upon premium health care coverage. Lack of health care can strongly impact early detection, surgery options, and access to fertility support. Collectively, the side effects of uterine fibroids, invasive surgery options, and fertility issues considerably impact mental health and economic status due to missed work days and lost wages; and

WHEREAS, According to a study published in 2011, uterine fibroid tumors were estimated to cost the United States $5.9 billion to $34.4 billion annually with an estimated annual lost work cost of $1.6 billion to $17.2 billion through absenteeism and short-term disability in women between 25 and 54 years of age, inclusive; and

WHEREAS, The overall incidence of uterine fibroids is estimated to disproportionately and more severely impact African American and Hispanic women, resulting in an incidence rate that is three times greater in African American women and two times greater in Hispanic women compared to Caucasian women; and

WHEREAS, The differences in the incidence rates and the magnitude of the condition of uterine fibroids could be impacted by differences in access and use of health care services; and

WHEREAS, The State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Public Health, through a focus on womens health, encourage education and research on the condition to increase knowledge of uterine fibroids, improve methods of treatment, and develop an alternative to hysterectomies; and

WHEREAS, Observation of Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month in the month of July 2018 can assist in the aforementioned efforts, support and encourage women to engage in healthy dialogue, and promote a positive community; and

WHEREAS, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, Louisiana, recognize Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month in July; and

WHEREAS, Public awareness and education campaigns on uterine fibroids prevention, screening, and symptoms are held during the month of July each year; and

WHEREAS, The San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., as part of its five-point programmatic thrust, conducted physical and mental health events in the City of San Diego, including a free Womens Health Forum on Uterine Fibroids. Its desire to expand awareness of the condition beyond the chapters region resulted in this statewide resolution; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims the month of July 2018 as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month in California, recognizing the disparity in incidence rates among African American and Hispanic patients of uterine fibroids, and the need for greater research, treatment, and care options regarding uterine fibroids; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.