FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 15, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke marked the introduction of a legislative package aimed at advancing uterine health initiatives through a roundtable discussion attended by colleagues, leaders in the space, and Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, and advocate Lupita Nyong’o, as well as a press conference detailing the four bills within the package: The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act, The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment (U-FIGHT) Act, The Uterine Cancer Study Act, and The Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month Resolution.

“The health crisis Black women across this nation confront every day will not end unless meaningful, targeted action is taken to do so. Today, my colleagues and I have introduced this legislative package as an unprecedented and historic step towards ensuring those who are at-risk or suffering from fibroids and uterine cancer have the support, resources, and care they need to navigate the painful diagnoses far too many have faced throughout their lives. With these four bills, we are not only putting the uterine health of millions first, but we are also carrying on the torch lit by a long line of lawmakers, advocates, and leaders who refused to stand by while women struggle in silence. I am proud to fight for the health equity they have long been denied but have always deserved,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

“In 2014 at the age of 31, I received my uterine fibroid diagnosis and was offered only two options: invasive surgery to remove them or live with the pain. I envision a different future: one with early education for teenagers, better prevention and screening protocols, robust research, and less invasive treatments for uterine fibroids. But transformation begins with understanding, and understanding requires research. I’m grateful to the bill sponsors for leading the way to that future and am committed to supporting this package of legislation,” said Lupita Nyong’o. 

“For too long, uterine fibroids have plagued women, particularly Black women. We need to invest in research, raise public awareness, and develop programs for early treatment. No woman should have to suffer in silence,” said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

“It is past time that Congress advance commonsense legislation that raises awareness on fibroids and uterine health. Tragically, uterine cancer impacts Black women more than any other group, and I am proud to have legislation that attempts to get to the root cause of this health disparity. I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues for better resources, increased awareness, and stronger health outcomes for women,” said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester.

“Millions of Americans, including nearly 25% of Black women,  will suffer from uterine fibroids by the age of 25,” said Senator Cory Booker. “We must act to prevent, diagnose, and treat fibroids so that affected women can find relief. This legislation will raise awareness, expand research, and improve access to evidence-based care for women struggling with uterine fibroids.”

“Uterine fibroids can be debilitating, but symptoms are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed while treatment remains out of reach,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “I’m proud to support this legislation to better understand uterine fibroids and develop more effective treatments for everyone — especially for Black women, who are three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids. We must continue to raise awareness, empower women to make their own health choices, and increase funding and research to treat fibroids.”

“These four bills are crucial for understanding, treating, and preventing uterine cancer and fibroids,” said Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. “Fibroids and uterine cancer impact Black women at higher rates, yet sufficient medical research is still lacking. Fibroids are a public health issue, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in advancing these bills to raise awareness, provide resources, and mandate research to help relieve suffering for women and girls everywhere.”

“Far too many women, especially Black and Latina women, suffer from uterine fibroids and related conditions due to gaps in research, awareness, and access to quality care,” said Congressman David Scott. “With the introduction of the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act, U-FIGHT Act, the Uterine Cancer Study Act, and the Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month Resolution, we are taking meaningful steps to close these gaps. It’s time to treat uterine as the public health priority it is and ensure that every woman has access to the care, information, and support they deserve.” 

“The Society for Women’s Health Research applauds lawmakers for introducing these bills this year and continuing to focus our attention on addressing the health and well-being of millions of women across the United States. With an estimated 26 million women ages 15 to 50 in the United States living with fibroids, and countless more seeking a diagnosis for their pain and symptoms, it is well past time we increased funding for research, education, and care for uterine fibroids,” said Kathryn Schubert, MPP, CAE, President and CEO at the Society for Women’s Health Research

“The Fibroid Foundation proudly supports the reintroduction of legislation by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke focused on uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer – two critical health issues that impact millions of women, yet remain severely underfunded and misunderstood,” said Sateria Venable, Founder and CEO of the Fibroid Foundation. This bill represents a powerful step forward in the movement to increase awareness, improve access to care, and elevate the importance of reproductive health equity in national policy conversations. We are grateful for Congresswoman Clarke’s continued leadership and unwavering commitment to women’s health. The Fibroid Foundation stands ready to support this effort and mobilize our community to ensure that the voices of those living with fibroids are heard loud and clear.

“For far too long, women, especially Black women, have suffered in silence, their pain dismissed, their bodies misunderstood. The reintroduction of these critical bills is more than legislation; it is a declaration that our health matters, our voices matter, and our lives matter. I am deeply grateful to Representatives Yvette D. Clarke and Shontel Brown, Senator Cory Booker, and Senator Angela Alsobrooks for standing with us in this fight for equity, access, and justice. As the founder of The White Dress Project, author of the fibroid awareness month resolution, and a woman who has personally battled fibroids, I see this moment as a testament to what happens when lived experience meets legislative power,” said Tanika Gray Valbrun, Founder of The White Dress Project.

Photos from the roundtable discussion can be viewed here.

Photos from the press conference can be viewed here.

Click below for the full texts of the uterine health legislation introduced:

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