Massachusetts House of Representatives Urging Increased Awareness of Endometriosis

Massachusetts House of Representatives State Resolution

Urging Increased Awareness of Endometriosis

Whereas, Endometriosis is a painful, reproductive and immunological disease which is a leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and gynecological surgery, and accounts for nearly half the 600,000 hysterectomies performed annually, and endometriosis is more prevalent than Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and even Breast Cancer, that places significant costs for the individual, and the Commonwealth in medical bills and lost productivity; and

Whereas, Endometriosis can negatively affect a woman or teen's ability to work, attend school, social functions or care for herself and her family, and can frequently be misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness and understanding of the symptoms ; and

Whereas, Endometriosis symptoms include pelvic pain with or without menstruation, infertility, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pain associated with sexual intercourse, gastrointestinal difficulties, fatigue, chronic pain, allergies and other immune system-related dysfunction and associations to diseases including multiple sclerosis, lupus, and fibromyalgia, and endometriosis can lead to painful internal scar tissue know as adhesions, resulting in a complex set of symptoms called Adhesion Related Disorder; and

Whereas, studies have also shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and autoimmune disorders in women with endometriosis and rarely, even malignant changes within the disease itself, thus researchers remain unsure as to the specific cause of endometriosis and there is no definitive cure, and current treatments are often accompanied by significantly negative side effects; and

Whereas, in recognition of the disabling effects endometriosis as a significant disabling disease in women, it is incumbent upon the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to support the courageous individuals living and coping with this painful condition; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Massachusetts House of Representatives moves to promote Endometriosis Awareness Month every March and to encourage awareness of the Endometriosis Research Center, The Endometriosis Association, and The International Adhesion Society; and be it

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded by the clerk of the House of Representatives to the Endometriosis Association.

House of Representatives, adopted October 31, 2005

Our deepest gratitude to Representative Elizabeth A. Poirier for her continuing dedication to women's issues in the Commonwealth.