HJM 19

Page 1

A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE NEED FOR A CURE FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS AND THE

MONTH OF MARCH AS "ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH".

WHEREAS, endometriosis is a painful reproductive and

immunological disease afflicting more than seven million women

and teenagers in the United States and an estimated seventy

million worldwide; and

WHEREAS, studies have shown an elevated risk of certain

cancers and autoimmune diseases in endometriosis patients, and

endometriosis is a leading cause of female infertility and

hysterectomy; and

WHEREAS, endometriosis not only affects the female

reproductive system, but it can also be found in other areas

of the body, including the intestines, bladder, lungs, skin

and brain; and

WHEREAS, endometriosis may have a debilitating impact on

a woman's quality of life and her relationships and, in some

cases, may render her unable to work or care for her family;

and

WHEREAS, endometriosis can strike women of any

socioeconomic class, age or race; and

WHEREAS, the cause of endometriosis is unknown, and

there is currently no definitive cure; and

WHEREAS, many women suffer needlessly for many years

HJM 19

Page 2

because endometriosis is very difficult to treat and diagnose;

and

WHEREAS, government-funded research has traditionally

gone to other high-profile diseases, and little effort has

been made to designate appropriate funds to seek a cure for

endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, the endometriosis research center is a

nonprofit organization founded in 1997 that actively supports

continued awareness, education and research facilitation for

endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, the endometriosis research center also

aggressively seeks to educate legislators and the medical

community on the needs of those with endometriosis;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it recognize the need for better

support of patients with endometriosis, the need for

physicians to understand the disease better, the need for more

effective treatments and, ultimately, the need for a cure; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature recognize

the month of March as "Endometriosis Awareness Month".