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HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 19

48

TH LEGISLATURE

- STATE OF NEW MEXICO -

FIRST SESSION

, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Thomas C. Taylor

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

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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

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

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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".

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