Declare Endometriosis Awareness Month

Senate Resolution No. 2659 BY: Senator PARKER MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as Endometriosis Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious health issues which affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as Endometriosis Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Endometriosis Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Endometriosis is a disease of the female reproductive system; it 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 affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years; and WHEREAS, A leading cause of female infertility, Endometriosis may affect more than 11% of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 which is approximately 176 million women in the world; and WHEREAS, It is especially common among women in their 30s and 40s and may make it harder to get pregnant; several different treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve the chances of getting pregnant; and WHEREAS, There is an average of a 10-year delay from the onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis of Endometriosis; and WHEREAS, 51 percent of Endometriosis patients report that their disease detrimentally affects their job; women with Endometriosis can lose 11 hours per work week through lost productivity and absenteeism due to pain; and WHEREAS, There is no cure for Endometriosis; 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; and WHEREAS, In more extensive cases, surgical interventions such as laparotomy or laparoscopy are often pursued, and may not be curative for all individuals; and WHEREAS, Endometriosis Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about this hidden and often unrecognized condition by promoting a greater understanding of endometriosis as a real, debilitating and disabling disease; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this serious disease, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2020, as Endometriosis Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.