U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown has introduced the U-FIGHT Act, aiming to address and improve gynecological health by focusing on uterine fibroids.
The Warrensville Heights Democrat shared her personal experience with the condition during the announcement on May 16, highlighting the significant impact it had on her life.
Brown described her battle with uterine fibroids as “having an uninvited guest take over your body, month after month, for years.”
She opened up about the painful and disruptive nature of the condition, which ultimately led her to undergo a hysterectomy. Her story underscores the critical need for the proposed legislation.
The U-FIGHT Act seeks to empower the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for early detection and intervention of uterine fibroids, educational awareness programs, and essential research.
The grants will also address pain management and conditions like Asherman’s syndrome, which involves the buildup of uterine scar tissue post-surgery.
Brown emphasized the particular impact on Black women, stating, “Too many women delay medical care or are denied full treatment and care because they don’t know that the symptoms they’re suffering through aren’t normal.”
The legislation has received support from numerous organizations, including The White Dress Project, The Fibroid Foundation, Black Health Matters, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Birthing Beautiful Communities, and major healthcare centers such as University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and MetroHealth.
“We look forward to working with Congresswoman Brown to advance legislation that would expand access to early screenings and detection methods for uterine fibroids, a debilitating condition that impacts millions of women, especially women of color,” said MetroHealth President & CEO Airica Steed. “Together, we can create a healthier community for every woman.”
Currently, the U-FIGHT Act has 50 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives, all Democrats. Brown remains dedicated to securing bipartisan support and plans to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
