Congresswoman Brown Introduces U-FIGHT Act to Fund Research on Uterine Fibroids, as Part of Uterine Health Initiative

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) has reintroduced legislation to create a new federal grant program for the detection and treatment of uterine fibroids, The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment Act (U-FIGHT Act). The U-FIGHT Act was also introduced in the Senate by Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

Video of the press conference announcing the legislative package here.

The lawmakers also held a roundtable in the Capitol with Academy Award winning actress Lupita Nyong’o to highlight the need for action and the prevalence of fibroids, especially among women of color. 

The U-FIGHT Act was announced as part of a Uterine Health Legislative Initiative featuring multiple bills introduced by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman David Scott (GA-13), in addition to Brown and Alsobrooks. Brown first introduced the U-FIGHT Act last Congress.

Congresswoman Brown’s U-FIGHT Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to increase early detection of and intervention for uterine fibroids, education and awareness programs, and research. The U-FIGHT Act also addresses Asherman’s syndrome, uterine scar tissue build-up following surgery, as well as disparities in pain management as it relates to uterine fibroids.

“Right now, millions of Black women are suffering constant pain from fibroids and are at an increased risk of uterine cancer – and the federal government is doing very little about it. We need research, we need an education and awareness program, and we need improved treatments. So many women have suffered in silence – I was one of them – but the time for silence is over. Now it’s time for action. I am proud to reintroduce the U-FIGHT Act with Senator Alsobrooks, and to work with Congresswoman Clarke on our entire legislative package, because it’s time for women to be heard. Together, this is a comprehensive package addressing an urgent women’s health crisis,” said Congresswoman Brown. 

“The U-FIGHT Act supports early detection, education and awareness, and improved treatments for fibroids – improving health care and improving people’s lives. If you’ve suffered from fibroids, you know – it can take over your entire life,” added Brown. 

“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. Congresswoman Brown had been a leader in this space for years, and I’m proud to join her in this fight," said Senator Alsobrooks. 

Brown and Clarke’s Uterine Health Legislative Initiative also includes:

• The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act (Rep. Clarke, Sen. Booker): Creates a new research program at NIH for studies on uterine fibroids and improved patient and provider education and awareness. Stephanie Tubbs Jones represented Ohio’s 11^th District from 1999-2008 and first introduced the Uterine Fibroids Research and Education Act in 2001.
• The Uterine Cancer Study Act (Rep. Clarke): Requires HHS, FDA, and NIH to coordinate on a study on the relationship between hair straighteners and uterine cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the incidence and mortality rates for uterine cancer have increased in recent years, killing more than 13,000 women a year.
• Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month Resolution (Rep. Scott): Legislation designating July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month. 

Why the U-Fight Act is Necessary

• Uterine fibroids are extremely common, yet the cause is unknown. 
  
   
• There is no current authorization for a HHS grant program for uterine fibroids, limiting the federal response to this widespread and significant problem. 
  
   
• It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of all women will experience uterine fibroids during their lifetime, including 80% of African-American women and 70% of white women.
  
   
  • In addition to uterine fibroids being more prevalent among Black women, the symptoms are also more frequently severe for Black women.
    
     
• Uterine fibroids can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and problems with fertility. Fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomies in the United States. In rare cases, uterine fibroids require emergency treatment. 
  
   
• Early detection and intervention treatment can reduce the need for invasive surgery and treatment options that may impact fertility, including hysterectomy.
  
   
• Early detection can also prevent tumor progression and worsening symptoms (heavy bleeding, cramping, abnormal menstruation).

The U-FIGHT Act

• The U-FIGHT Act authorizes The Secretary of Health and Human Services to:
  
   

1. Conduct or support research on the early detection or intervention of uterine fibroids.
2. Formulate evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to increase early detection in health care settings. 

• Under the legislation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may award grants to states for carrying out programs to:
  
   
  • Increase early detection and intervention for uterine fibroids, with funds supporting screening procedures, patient navigation services, program implementation, and patient access to health care settings.
    
     
  • Develop and implement public awareness and education campaigns for the early detection and intervention of uterine fibroids. 
    
     
    • Priority shall be given to States proposing to carry out their program in geographic areas with socially vulnerable populations of elevated risk 
      
       
• The Secretary may also award grants to support research on:
  • Disparities in pain control and management in uterine fibroid surgical treatment or:
    
     
  • Asherman’s Syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, and other intrauterine conditions
    
     
• U-FIGHT requires the submission of a report to Congress and the public detailing findings and developments

###