Summary of H.Res. 256 – Supporting the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month

Overview

H.Res. 256 is a HouseResolution (non-binding) introduced on March 26, 2025 that would designate March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month. As a resolution, it expresses support and encouragement rather than creating new law or mandatory funding. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has a broad group of cosponsors, with Rep. David Scott listed as the primary sponsor.

Purpose and Intent

• Officially recognize and support Endometriosis Awareness Month, with an emphasis on awareness, education, and outreach.
• Highlight the importance of early detection and treatment of endometriosis.
• Promote additional education for health care providers and the use of culturally competent care.
• Signal ongoing commitment to endometriosis research, including better treatments, fertility outcomes, and potential progress toward a cure.
• Encourage the public to observe March 2025 with awareness and educational activities.

Key Provisions

• The House “strongly supports the goals and ideals of Endometriosis Awareness Month.”
• Acknowledges the need for:
  • Early detection and treatment of endometriosis.
  • Increased education for health care providers.
  • More culturally competent care for patients.
• Affirms a commitment to supporting and funding endometriosis research aimed at more effective treatments, improved fertility outcomes, and progress toward a cure.
• Urges the public to observe March 2025 through awareness-raising and educational activities.

Who and What Is Affected

• Individuals affected by endometriosis, health care providers, researchers, and organizations focused on women’s health and reproductive health may benefit from the emphasis on awareness and education.
• Federal priorities and public health messaging may be shaped to include Endometriosis Awareness Month activities, though no new mandatory programs or funding are enacted by this measure itself.

Legislative Process and Timeline

• Introduced: March 26, 2025.
• Referred to: House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• Status: Submitted in the House; designation would take effect for March 2025 if enacted, subject to subsequent passage and potential involvement of the Senate and the President for any formal designation.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Rep. David Scott.
• Cosponsors (16 total): LaMonica McIver, Nikema Williams, Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Haley M. Stevens, Lois Frankel, Dan Crenshaw, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jimmy Panetta, Yvette D. Clarke, Judy Chu, Sanford D. Bishop, Don Bacon, Rashida Tlaib, Terri A. Sewell, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Melanie A. Stansbury.

Potential Impact

• Primarily ceremonial recognition that can heighten public awareness and encourage education and outreach.
• May influence federal agencies and health care stakeholders to incorporate Endometriosis Awareness Month into public communications and professional training plans.
• No explicit appropriations or new program authorities are provided by the resolution itself.