Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 15, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to significantly increase federal investment in uterine fibroid research and public health education, with a particular focus on addressing disparities in diagnosis and treatment for minority women.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and coordinate research on uterine fibroids, establish a research database for Medicaid and CHIP coverage of fibroid treatments, and implement public education and healthcare provider information programs regarding uterine fibroids. It specifically focuses on addressing disparities in diagnosis and treatment for minority individuals and promoting non-hysterectomy treatment options.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue the bill addresses a critical public health issue affecting millions of women, especially women of color, by increasing underfunded research, improving diagnosis, and expanding awareness of treatment options beyond hysterectomy. They emphasize the significant personal and societal costs of fibroids and the current lack of high-quality evidence for many interventions.
Opponents contend
No organized opposition is typically raised against bills focused on medical research and public health education for a specific condition. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the allocation of federal funds to this specific area versus other health priorities, or the efficiency of the proposed research and education mechanisms.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and informed review by interested readers.
Section 3
Expanded Research on Uterine Fibroids
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand, intensify, and coordinate research programs related to uterine fibroids through the National Institutes of Health and other relevant federal agencies. It authorizes $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for this purpose, aiming to address the current underfunding of fibroid research.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that increased research funding is crucial given the high prevalence, severe symptoms, and significant costs associated with uterine fibroids, especially for minority women who are disproportionately affected. They highlight the current lack of high-quality evidence for many interventions and the need for better treatment options.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against increasing medical research funding for a prevalent condition. Potential general concerns might relate to overall budget priorities or the effectiveness of specific research coordination mechanisms, but these are not strong opposing arguments against the provision itself.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is resource allocation within the broader federal health research budget. While fibroids are a significant issue, funding for one area necessarily means less for others, though this bill seeks to correct a perceived underfunding.
Section 4
Medicaid/CHIP Data Collection and Report
This section mandates the Secretary to establish or expand a research database to collect data on services provided for uterine fibroid treatment under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It also requires a report to Congress within two years on federal and state expenditures for fibroid treatments under these programs, aiming to assess the frequency and cost of such services.
Section 5
Uterine Fibroids Public Education Program
This section directs the Secretary to develop and disseminate public information about uterine fibroids. This includes raising awareness of incidence and prevalence, highlighting the elevated risk for minority individuals, and informing the public about the range of medically appropriate treatment options, specifically including non-hysterectomy procedures. It authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 2026-2030.
Section 6
Information to Health Care Providers
This section requires the Secretary, in consultation with medical societies, to work with healthcare-related specialty societies and health systems to promote evidence-based care for individuals with fibroids. This includes focusing on minority individuals and the full range of treatment options, including non-hysterectomy drugs and devices. It authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 2026-2030.
These sections authorize "such sums as may be necessary" for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the public education program and the information dissemination to healthcare providers, respectively.
Sections 5(c) and 6(b)
Why it matters:This is a standard legislative practice for programs where the exact cost is difficult to predict or where Congress intends to fund the program at levels determined annually through the appropriations process, rather than setting a hard cap in the authorizing legislation. It allows flexibility but also means the programs are not guaranteed a specific funding level.
Case for: Supporters argue this provides flexibility to fund these crucial education and outreach programs at levels appropriate to their needs, which may vary year to year, without being constrained by a fixed cap that might prove insufficient.
Case against: Critics might argue that this lack of a specific dollar amount makes the commitment to these programs less firm and leaves them vulnerable to underfunding in future appropriations cycles, potentially hindering their effectiveness compared to the specifically funded research section.
Estimated impact: The actual financial impact for these sections is undetermined by the bill text and will depend on future appropriations decisions.