BILL NUMBER: S3575
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to establishing a
uterine fibroids awareness and education program
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would amend title 6 of article 2 of the public health law to
add a new section that would have the department of health conduct an
ongoing public awareness campaign for the diagnosis and treatment of
fibroids
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends title 6 of article 2 of the public health law to
create a uterine fibroid awareness program that will distribute educa-
tional materials that will inform people on the elevated risks of
uterine fibroids for minority women, symptoms of uterine fibroids and
available treatment. The department of health will periodically review
available data on fibroids and report their findings every three years
to the state and make further
 
JUSTIFICATION:
While fibroids are a common issue faced by woman across the US, informa-
tion about what fibroids are and the issues they cause are often unknown
by the general public. Black women and women of color may not be aware
of the elevated risks that they have to developing fibroids. It is
important that the seriousness of this issue is communicated to the
public so that people with fibroids can take the steps to treat them and
manage their symptoms.
Placing signage in doctor's offices where women who may be affected by
fibroids can see is important. This will provide them with information
that they can use to talk to their doctor. Some women may be experienc-
ing fibroid symptoms and not realize that they have fibroids. It is
imperative that women understand what fibroids are and can use that
information to advocate for themselves and their treatment. Providing
information in this way through pamphlets and educational materials will
help women treat fibroid symptoms earlier and provide awareness of this
diagnosis.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-Passed Committee, Passed Senate 60-0. Amended January
2024 to change to 267-b, and add first reporting year as 2027.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment
and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation
of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and 7
completed on or before such effective date.