BILL NUMBER: S3576A
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the statewide
fibroid study program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would establish a statewide fibroid study program within the
New York State Department of Health to support research, data
collection, and improved understanding of uterine fibroids and their
impact on women across New York State.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill directs the New York State Department of Health to establish a
statewide fibroid study program to collect and analyze data related to
uterine fibroids, including prevalence, health outcomes, and treatment
options, with particular attention to populations disproportionately
affected by the condition.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Uterine fibroids are among the most common non-cancerous tumors affect-
ing women of reproductive age and remain a leading cause of hysterectomy
in the United States. Despite their prevalence, fibroids remain signif-
icantly under-researched relative to the scale of the public health
burden they represent. Fibroids disproportionately affect Black women
and other women of color. Research shows that up to 80 percent of Black
women and nearly 70 percent of all women will develop fibroids by the
age of 50. Black women are also more likely to develop fibroids at youn-
ger ages, experience larger and more numerous tumors, and suffer more
severe symptoms, including chronic pain, excessive bleeding, infertili-
ty, and pregnancy complications. These disparities contribute to broad-
er inequities in women's health and maternal health outcomes.
In New York, where communities of color make up a significant portion of
the population, improving understanding of fibroids is critical to
advancing health equity. However, research funding and comprehensive
statewide data remain limited, leaving gaps in the medical community's
ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent complications associated with
fibroids. Establishing a statewide fibroid study program within the
Department of Health will support inclusive research, strengthen data
collection, and help inform public health strategies and clinical care.
The program may also facilitate collaboration with New York's academic
and medical institutions, including SUNY and CUNY research centers, to
advance innovation in women's health.
By prioritizing research on fibroids, New York State can improve treat-
ment outcomes, address disparities in women's health, and strengthen
efforts to improve maternal health across the state.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect sixty days after it shall have become law.