Senate Resolution No. 3908

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
March 2018, 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 2018, 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; and

WHEREAS, Endometriosis 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 is a leading cause of female infertility; and

WHEREAS, Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of childbearing age in
the United States; and

WHEREAS, There is an average of a 10-year delay from the onset of
symptoms to the final diagnosis of Endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, US Endometriosis patients were hospitalized 105,123 days,
in 2010, because of their disease; and

WHEREAS, Women with Endometriosis can lose 11 hours per work week
through lost productivity and absenteeism due to pain; and

WHEREAS, 51 percent of Endometriosis patients report that their
disease detrimentally affects their job; and

WHEREAS, The estimated total annual societal burden of
Endometriosis-related symptoms in the United States is $56 billion, or
$10,824 per patient; 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 health condition, 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 2018, 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.