Policy Resolution HHS-26-16

WHEREAS, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a genetic, metabolic, reproductive, and hormone disorder that affects as many as 6-13% of women, and it is characterized by irregular ovulation, high androgen hormones, and/or polycystic ovaries on ultrasound;

WHEREAS, as one of the leading causes of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms start to present in puberty for most, but it is a lifelong condition that impacts long-term health;

WHEREAS, while the cause of PCOS is unknown, most experts believe that several factors, including genetics, play a role;

WHEREAS, the National Institutes of Health estimates the annual burden of PCOS in the United States to exceed $8 billion, and this figure pertains to women’s reproductive years alone and does not consider the cost of other comorbidities, including obstetrical complications or the cost of metabolic morbidities in post-menopause or adolescence;

WHEREAS, PCOS increases the risk of developing anxiety, depression, obesity, stroke, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), maternal health complications, and endometrial cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health;

WHEREAS, racial and ethnic disparities further exacerbate the challenges in PCOS diagnosis and treatment, with studies showing that Black, Latina, and Indigenous women experience longer delays in diagnosis, poorer health outcomes, and greater barriers to accessing culturally competent care, which significantly compound the physical and emotional toll of the condition;

WHEREAS, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health, PCOS in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery, cesarean delivery, miscarriage, fetal and infant death, postpartum depression, and other complications;

WHEREAS, PCOS is one of the most misunderstood and underserved health conditions, and up to 70 percent of cases go undiagnosed, leaving millions of women at risk, according to the World Health Organization;

WHEREAS, there is no known cure for PCOS, but by having access to support to make individualized lifestyle changes, including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress reduction, then quality of life, physical health, and chances of conception can be improved; and

WHEREAS, a holistic, individualized, and compassionate multidisciplinary care approach to diagnosing, treating, and managing PCOS can prevent disease, improve outcomes and quality of life.

WHEREAS, this resolution advances NBCSL’s work to improve women’s reproductive and hormonal health, building on HHS-20-02, HHS-15-35, and HHS-22-41, which collectively promoted disease awareness and diversity in medical research, and expanded understanding of women’s unique health needs.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) urges legislators to support September as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the members of the NBCSL increase awareness and education about PCOS and its comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, endometrial cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, maternal health complications, and mental health disorders, while prioritizing PCOS research and improving access to and quality of care with an emphasis on health equity;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NBCSL urges stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, other policymakers, and advocacy organizations, to support the goals and ideals of PCOS Awareness Month, promote research into diagnosis and treatment, improve access to and quality of care, and ensure health equity in addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations, including racial and ethnic minorities and individuals in rural and underserved areas;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators supports increasing federal funding for research into PCOS as there is still much more progress to make on this syndrome; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

• Resolution ID: HHS-26-16
• Sponsored by: Del. Marcia Price (VA)
• Policy Committee: Health and Human Services Policy Committee