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2018 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 55
Designating March, in 2018 and in each succeeding year, as Endometriosis Awareness Month in Virginia.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 12, 2018
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2018

 

WHEREAS, endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, affecting at least five million women in the United States and more than 175 million women worldwide; and

WHEREAS, women in their 30s and 40s who have never had children or who have a female relative with the disease are most likely to be affected by endometriosis; many women remain undiagnosed and go without proper treatment; and

WHEREAS, endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, releases within the abdominal cavity, often causing significant damage to the reproductive system and other vital organs; and

WHEREAS, endometriosis can be characterized by infertility and digestive problems, and chronic pelvic or intestinal pain, which may lead to depression, tiredness, and irritability, and can place a heavy burden on interpersonal relationships and workplace productivity; and

WHEREAS, in extreme cases, endometriosis can lead to a condition known as frozen pelvis, in which adhesions and scar tissue may cause a woman's internal organs to fuse together; and

WHEREAS, many women who suffer from endometriosis face misdiagnosis, financial burden, emotional distress, adverse side effects of hormonal treatment therapies, and sometimes numerous surgeries; and

WHEREAS, Virginia HOPE works to provide information on endometriosis, offers counseling and support to women suffering from the disease, and hosts walk-a-thons, races, and other events to raise awareness; and

WHEREAS, Endometriosis Awareness Month is an opportunity to garner support for further research of the disease and promote increased education about and mindfulness of the symptoms that affect women with endometriosis; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate March, in 2018 and in each succeeding year, as Endometriosis Awareness Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to Virginia HOPE so that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.