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Bill

AJR 123

Designates September of each year as "Menopause Awareness Month" in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tennille McCoy and 3 co-sponsors

Designates September as Menopause Awareness Month in New Jersey; requires annual Governor proclamations to raise awareness, educate residents and clinicians, and reduce stigma.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Community Development and Women's Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · AJR 123

AJR 123 Summary

What the bill does

  • AJR 123 designates September of each year as “Menopause Awareness Month” in New Jersey.
  • It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
  • The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Status and procedural notes

  • Introduced: February 5, 2024
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly, referred to the Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee
  • Classification: Joint Resolution
  • Related legislation: SJR 85 (companion bill)

Key provisions and content

  • Establishes September as Menopause Awareness Month to raise awareness of menopause and its impact on health and well-being.
  • Emphasizes education for women, families, and the clinical community about menopause and aging, and aims to counter negative media portrayals of aging women.
  • Directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation to observe the month with activities and programs.
  • Includes a summary statement defining menopause, perimenopause, common symptoms, and notes that menopause is a natural biological process (not a disease) with potential treatment options under medical supervision.

Background and context

  • Menopause definition: the stage when hormone levels change and menstruation permanently stops (diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a period).
  • Typical onset: average age around 51, but can begin in the 40s or 50s.
  • Perimenopause: the 2–10 year transitional period leading up to menopause.
  • Common symptoms listed include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, genital dryness, urinary issues, and others.
  • The bill underscores that menopause is natural and not inherently a medical condition requiring treatment, though medical options exist to alleviate symptoms.

Who is affected

  • Primarily a symbolic and educational designation intended to raise awareness among residents, healthcare providers, families, and public officials.
  • Encourages participation by public and private organizations in observance activities and programs during September.

Fiscal and timeline considerations

  • The text does not specify any funding or fiscal implications.
  • Effective immediately upon enactment, with annual proclamations to be issued by the Governor each September thereafter.

Practical impact

  • Serves as a formal state recognition aimed at reducing stigma and increasing discussion and understanding of menopause.
  • May spur educational programs, outreach, and community activities during September in New Jersey.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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