The Endometriosis Foundation of America, and its UpEndo Coalition, applaud passage of New Jersey General Assemblywoman Shanique Speight’s bill, A3212, to establish a Women’s Menstrual Health Screening Program and requirements to screen appropriate patients for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). On Thursday, September 29, the New Jersey Assembly Women and Children Committee, chaired by Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, passed the bill with bipartisan unanimous support.
"The passing of this important legislation will help young people get diagnosed earlier and treated quicker for menstrual disorders like endometriosis that have an enormous impact on their fertility, mental health, and ability to thrive in society. Early recognition of what is and is not normal for those experiencing menstrual symptoms will have a huge social and economic impact. By raising awareness through screening programs, we can reach more young people at the right place and time to truly make a difference in their lives," said Tracey Haas, DO, MPH, and EndoFound's Interim Executive Director.
Assemblywoman Speight’s bill represents a major step forward in ensuring that women in New Jersey receive early screening and diagnosis and help spread greater awareness of endometriosis through the creation of the Women’s Menstrual Health Screening Program within the New Jersey Department of Health. Importantly it would also ensure greater education and awareness of endometriosis within the medical community.
"Today has been a historic day for New Jersey. The New Jersey Assembly Women and Children Committee has voted on 7 bills that address Menstrual health. Legislation such as these will positively impact women and girls in the state of New Jersey, especially A3212 which establishes a menstrual health screening program for individuals suffering from endometriosis and PCOS," said New Jersey Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.
Diana Falzone, the host of EndoTV's "Let's Talk Period" and an Endometriosis Foundation Ambassador and member of the UpEndo Coalition, submitted testimony to the committee to support the bill. The UpEndo Coalition, launched by EndoFound in 2021, promotes a better understanding of the extent and long-term health implications of endometriosis with the public, Congress, and state legislative leaders. It focuses on building awareness about the short-and long-term consequences of living with endometriosis and ensuring policymakers advance research funding and other policy priorities.
"The passing of this important, impactful legislation for women's health thanks to Assemblywoman Speight', will undoubtedly have a positive impact on many people's lives and overall well-being. The sooner diseases like endometriosis are diagnosed, the quicker medical intervention can begin which can hopefully spare many years of pain, misdiagnosis, or lack thereof, suffering, and financial costs. Today is a win for bettering the healthcare system and bettering the lives of New Jerseyans," said Falzone.
The bill will go before the entire New Jersey Assembly and Senate and, if passed, then to the Governor. The UpEndo Coalition supports signing A3212 into law and respectfully urges Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Nicholas Scutari to bring the bill up for a vote.
