This bill focuses on uterine fibroids—noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus—which affect millions of American women. The problem is significant: between 20-50% of women of reproductive age have fibroids, and up to 77% will develop them before menopause. For the roughly 15 million women who experience symptoms, fibroids can cause severe menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, fatigue, infertility, and pregnancy complications that seriously impact their daily lives, work, and ability to care for their families.

The bill highlights several concerning gaps. Many women don't realize they have fibroids—patients wait an average of 3.6 years and see multiple doctors before getting diagnosed. Black women are disproportionately affected, developing fibroids earlier and experiencing more severe symptoms than white women. Despite this burden, federal research funding for fibroids is extremely low compared to other diseases. Additionally, most current treatments either prevent pregnancy or suppress menstruation, leaving women with limited options, especially those who want to preserve their fertility.

To address these issues, the bill directs the federal government to invest $30 million per year from 2024-2028 in fibroid research and to coordinate efforts across health agencies. It also requires the government to create a database tracking fibroid treatments covered by Medicaid and children's health insurance programs, and to launch public education campaigns about fibroids—particularly targeting minority communities at higher risk. The goal is to improve diagnosis, develop better treatment options, and ensure women have access to information about all available choices beyond hysterectomy.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023

Booker, Cory A.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to expand research on, and take other actions to address, uterine fibroids. These are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus and may cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and reproductive issues. In coordination with the National Institutes of Health and appropriate federal agencies, HHS must undertake research activities on uterine fibroids. In addition, HHS must establish a database of services furnished to individuals diagnosed with uterine fibroids under Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program and must develop a report on federal and state expenditures for such services. Additionally, HHS must disseminate information on uterine fibroids to the public and to health care providers, including information on the&nbsp;elevated risk for minority women and available treatments.