S*0182 Concurrent Resolution, By Hutto
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DECLARING MARCH 2013 AS ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH
 AND URGE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY
 TO RAISE THEIR AWARENESS ABOUT THIS WIDESPREAD AND OFTEN DEBILITATING DISEASE.

   01/08/13  Senate Introduced (Senate Journal-page 113)
   01/08/13  Senate Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs
                     (Senate Journal-page 113)
   01/31/13  Senate Committee report: Favorable Medical Affairs
                     (Senate Journal-page 13)
   02/04/13         Scrivener's error corrected (Senate Journal-page 10)
   02/06/13  Senate Adopted, sent to House (Senate Journal-page 27)
   02/07/13  House  Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (House Journal-page 12)

COMMITTEE REPORT

January 31, 2013

S. 182

S. Printed 1/31/13--S.    [SEC 2/4/13 10:13 AM]

Read the first time January 8, 2013.

To whom was referred a Concurrent Resolution (S. 182) declaring March 2013 as Endometriosis Awareness Month and urge the general public and the medical community to take this opportunity to raise their awareness, etc., respectfully

That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:

HARVEY S. PEELER, JR. for Committee.

DECLARING MARCH 2013 AS ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH AND URGE THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE THEIR AWARENESS ABOUT THIS WIDESPREAD AND OFTEN DEBILITATING DISEASE.

Whereas, it is estimated that endometriosis occurs in ten percent of women during the reproductive years, and currently more than 10 million women and teens in the United States are known to have endometriosis and nearly 80 million worldwide; and

Whereas, endometriosis is a painful, reproductive and immunological disease in which tissue similar to the uterine lining migrates outside the uterus and implants in other parts of the body, most commonly in the pelvic cavity, but it has also been found in the lungs, diaphragm, and brain; and

Whereas, researchers remain unsure of the definitive cause of endometriosis; it is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, and currently there is no cure; endometriosis can only be diagnosed through surgery, and in spite of endometriosis being the number one cause of infertility in the United States and attributable to 400,000 hysterectomies per year, the average delay in diagnosis is about nine years; and

Whereas, studies have shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases in endometriosis patients, as well as malignant changes in the disease itself; and

Whereas, endometriosis can be so painful and life altering as to substantially impair a woman's or teen's life and her relationships, in some cases rendering her unable to work or pursue a career, to care for herself or her family, to attend school or social functions, or to go about her normal routine; and

Whereas, the Endometriosis Research Center was founded in 1997 with the mission to address the growing need for international disease awareness, to promote advocacy, and to support education and research; and

Whereas, since its inception the center has worked tirelessly to address the myths, misinformation, and lack of understanding about this disease, striving to achieve recognition of the far-reaching impact of endometriosis on women and teens of all ages and from all walks of life, not only in the United States, but globally as well; and

Whereas, annually during the month of March activities and events are held in an effort to support and assist women living with the disease, to educate and raise the awareness of the medical community and the general public about the prevalence and debilitating effects of this disease, and to raise funds for the center to use in carrying out its mission. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly by this resolution, declare March 2013 as Endometriosis Awareness Month and urge the general public and the medical community to take this opportunity to raise their awareness about this widespread, often debilitating disease.