HJR 170

HJR170 191500-2 By Representative Beech RFD: Rules First Read: 13-FEB-18 HJR170 ENROLLED, House Joint Resolution, RECOGNIZING MARCH 2018 AS "ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH" IN ALABAMA. WHEREAS, endometriosis is a disease of the female reproductive system; and WHEREAS, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that normally found in the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus, leading to chronic, debilitating pelvic pain; and WHEREAS, endometriosis is a leading cause of female infertility; and WHEREAS, endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in the United States; and WHEREAS, there is an average of a 10-year delay from the onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis of endometriosis; and WHEREAS, U. S. endometriosis patients were hospitalized 105,123 days in 2010 because of their disease; and WHEREAS, women with endometriosis can lose 11 hours per work week through lost productivity and absenteeism due to pain; and WHEREAS, Fifty-one percent of endometriosis patients report that their disease detrimentally affects their job; and HJR170 WHEREAS, the estimated total annual societal burden of endometriosis-related symptoms in the U. S is $56 billion or $10,824 per patient; and WHEREAS, there is no cure for endometriosis; and WHEREAS, more research is necessary to develop treatment options to manage this debilitating disease; and WHEREAS, traditionally, providers have focused on managing the associated pain with oral contraceptives, progestins, danazol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and GnRH agonists, many of which are not specifically indicated for the treatment of endometriosis; in more extensive cases, surgical interventions (e.g. laparotomy or laparoscopy) are often pursued and may not be curative for all individuals; and WHEREAS, more research is needed to find additional treatment options to manage this debilitating disease; and WHEREAS, education is important for promoting awareness of symptoms and early detection and diagnosis of endometriosis; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the we recognize the month of March as Endometriosis Awareness Month and encourage the state to observe the month with related awareness and educational campaigns. HJR170 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Alabama Department of Public Health is encouraged to make available online resources and current information on endometriosis. HJR170 Speaker of the House of Representatives President and Presiding Officer of the Senate House of Representatives I hereby certify that the within Act originated in and was adopted by the House 20-FEB-18. Jeff Woodard Clerk Senate 01-MAR-18 Adopted