Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Legislation to Bring More Awareness to Endometriosis

WASHINGTON D.C. –  Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led the introduction of the Endometriosis CARE Act, which would deliver $50 million annually to advance endometriosis research and expand access to treatment. The legislation is co-sponsored by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12). Despite the significant impact of endometriosis, chronic underfunding of women’s health research has resulted in a lack of innovation and understanding of the disease. 

Endometriosis is a disease that affects more than 1 in 10 reproductive-aged women in the United States. It occurs when tissue, similar to the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus, grows outside the uterus, causing pain and interrupting the lives of millions of women daily. Currently, there is no known cause of endometriosis, and there is no cure. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), co-chair of the Congressional Endometriosis Caucus said:

“At a time when our public health and research are being attacked at every corner by the Trump administration, the reintroduction of the Endometriosis CARE Act marks a renewed fight for the millions of overlooked women who are suffering from endometriosis. I have battled excruciating endometriosis pain since I was 14. The physical and financial burdens of endometriosis reflect the ongoing disparities in women’s health research and care. The Endometriosis CARE Act will ease these burdens by investing in research to improve detection and treatment. We must act now for the one in ten women in this country who suffer daily from endometriosis.”

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) said: 

“We must invest in research that moves us closer to finding a cure for women affected by endometriosis. Endometriosis impacts every aspect of a woman’s life—including her physical and mental health, career, and relationships—yet there is a glaring lack of federal support for a cure, in addition to overwhelming stigma. I introduced this legislation to correct this oversight and invest in evidence-based solutions that will support women affected by this disease.”

Congresswoman Alma Adams, Ph.D., co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus (NC-12) said: 

“One in ten reproductive-aged women suffer from endometriosis but we still don’t know the cause of or the cure for this debilitating disease. Like so much of women’s health research, endometriosis remains understudied, its research remains underfunded, and the women living with it continue having their pain ignored. I’m proud to join Rep. Nikema Williams and my colleagues in introducing the Endometriosis CARE Act so we can correct this injustice and finally provide relief for the 6.5 million women with endometriosis who are suffering in silence every day.”

The Endometriosis CARE Act would: 

• Invest $50 million annually for five years for endometriosis research through the National Institutes of Health;
• Commission a national study on the disparities in endometriosis prevalence, detection, treatments and outcomes by race, ethnicity, geography and insurance status;
• Establish a national campaign to promote public awareness of endometriosis;
• Identify barriers to accessing treatments for endometriosis symptoms, such as health care coverage, transportation, and health care professional shortages

The Endometriosis CARE Act is endorsed by Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research, Birthing the, Magic Collaborative, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Cookie La, Doula, Dr. Shalon’s Maternal Action Project (DSMAP), Endo Black, Endometriosis Foundation of America, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, Jacobs, Institute of Women’s Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, Melinated Moms, Mothering Justice, National Health Law Program, National Medical Fellowships, NETWORK Lobby for, Catholic Social Justice, PA Education Association, Reproductive Freedom for All, The Endometriosis Summit, Urban Baby Beginnings, Wayne State University Office of Women’s Health, Yeye’s Gift Doula Services, & Society for Public Health Education

Click here for a one pager on the Endometriosis CARE Act.

See the full resolution here.