Rep. Shontel Brown Introduces U-FIGHT Act to Tackle Uterine Fibroids

U.S. Representative Shontel Brown, a Democrat from Warrensville Heights, has taken a significant step in advocating for women’s health through the introduction of the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health and Treatment Act, known as the U-FIGHT Act.

During a poignant announcement on May 16, Shontel Brown shared her personal struggle with uterine fibroids, a condition she described as akin to “having an uninvited guest take over your body.”

The distress and complications from fibroids led Brown to undergo a hysterectomy, a decision influenced by the severe symptoms that included painful and disruptive menstrual cycles.

Her experiences highlight the broader impact of this prevalent health issue, which disproportionately affects black women.

“Too many women delay medical care or are denied full treatment and care because they don’t know that the symptoms they’re suffering through aren’t normal,” Brown stated, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and better healthcare responses.

The U-FIGHT Act proposes to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to allocate grants for early detection, intervention, and educational initiatives about uterine fibroids. It also seeks to support research into related conditions, such as Asherman’s syndrome, which involves uterine scar tissue build-up.

The initiative has received support from a diverse range of health and advocacy organizations, including The White Dress Project, The Fibroid Foundation, Black Health Matters, Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Birthing Beautiful Communities, as well as major healthcare providers like University Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and MetroHealth.

MetroHealth’s President & CEO, Airica Steed, expressed strong support for the legislation, stating,

“We look forward to working with Congresswoman Brown to advance legislation that would expand access to early screenings and detection methods for uterine fibrosis, a debilitating condition that impacts millions of women, especially women of color.”

Despite the U-FIGHT Act currently having 50 co-sponsors in the House, all of whom are Democrats, Brown is actively seeking bipartisan support and plans to introduce companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Shontel Brown leadership not only reflects a commitment to addressing a critical health issue but also her determination to drive legislative change through personal advocacy and broad collaboration.