SR1419 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1419 LRB100 20678 MST 36131 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

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 one in 10 women of childbearing age in the United States; and

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

WHEREAS, U.S. 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, Fifty-one 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 U.S. is $56 billion, or $10,824 per patient; and

WHEREAS, There is no cure for Endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, More research is necessary to develop treatment options to manage this debilitating disease; and

WHEREAS, 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; in more extensive cases, surgical interventions (e.g., laparotomy or laparoscopy) are often pursued and may not be curative for all individuals; and

WHEREAS, More research is needed to find additional treatment options to manage this debilitating disease; and

WHEREAS, Education is important for promoting awareness of symptoms and early detection and diagnosis of Endometriosis; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare March of 2018 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month" in the State of Illinois and encourage the State to observe the month with related awareness and educational campaigns; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraged to make available online resources and current information on Endometriosis, including disease prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Director of Public Health.