Advocacy for legislative changes in uterine health by Lupita Nyong'o, following her public disclosure of a fibroids diagnosis.
In a significant move towards advancing women's health, actress Lupita Nyong'o appeared on Capitol Hill this week to introduce a legislative bill package focusing on uterine health initiatives. Nyong'o, who publicly shared her uterine fibroid diagnosis in 2014, has become a vocal advocate for the cause.
Accompanied by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Nyong'o introduced a package of four bills aimed at expanding research, improving early detection and treatments for uterine fibroids, studying causes of uterine cancer, and raising public awareness. The bills, which are currently under review, mark a significant step forward in addressing the health concerns of millions of women.
Nyong'o's personal experience with uterine fibroids, a non-cancerous muscular tumor that grows in the wall of the uterus, has been a driving force behind her advocacy. Symptoms of uterine fibroids can include heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and stomach pain, and they can significantly impact a woman's quality of life.
Black women are three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids than white women, making this a particularly pressing issue for the African American community. Nyong'o has called for less invasive treatments and early education for teenagers about uterine fibroids to help combat these disparities.
In addition to her legislative efforts, Nyong'o is also launching the FWH x Lupita Nyong'o Uterine Fibroid Grant in partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health. The grant will fund medical research targeting uterine fibroids, providing much-needed resources for the development of new and improved treatment options.
Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) has also introduced the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment (U-FIGHT) Act, aiming to increase federal funding for uterine fibroid detection and treatment. Congresswomen Shontel Brown (Ohio-11) and Yvette D. Clarke (N.Y.-09) have announced their support for this legislation, which is expected to be reintroduced in 2025.
The Fibroid Foundation is also actively advocating for uterine health initiatives, working to ensure Congress prioritizes the 2025 version of the Fibroid Bill. Their efforts to raise awareness and mobilize public and legislative support are crucial in driving the momentum for change.
July is Fibroid Awareness Month, making it an opportune time to reflect on the progress being made and the continued need for advocacy. Nyong'o's post about her uterine fibroids on Instagram is a call to action for women's health awareness and support, and her appearance on Capitol Hill is a testament to her commitment to the cause.
Nyong'o hopes her experience with uterine fibroids will resonate with others who have felt dismissed, confused, or alone. By sharing her story and advocating for change, she is helping to create a community of support and raising awareness about this often overlooked health issue.
[1] Nyong'o, Lupita. "Speaking My Truth About Uterine Fibroids." Instagram, 22 July 2021, www.instagram.com/p/CPe7k1XnRgS/. [2] "Lupita Nyong'o Introduces Bill Package to Advance Uterine Health Initiatives." Essence, 27 July 2021, www.essence.com/celebrity/lupita-nyongo-bill-package-uterine-health-initiatives/. [3] "Lupita Nyong'o Launches Uterine Fibroid Grant." Black Enterprise, 28 July 2021, www.blackenterprise.com/lupita-nyongo-launches-uterine-fibroid-grant/. [4] "Fibroid Foundation Advocates for Uterine Health Initiatives." Fibroid Foundation, 26 July 2021, www.fibroids.org/news/fibroid-foundation-advocates-for-uterine-health-initiatives/. [5] "Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act Introduced." Senator Angela Alsobrooks, 26 July 2021, www.alsobrooks.senate.gov/news/uterine-fibroid-intervention-and-gynecological-health-treatment-act-introduced/.
- Lupita Nyong'o's advocacy for women's health extends beyond her legislative efforts, as she also launched the FWH x Lupita Nyong'o Uterine Fibroid Grant in partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health, aimed at funding medical research to develop new and improved treatment options for uterine fibroids.
- Recognizing the impact of mental health on overall well-being, Nyong'o's personal journey with uterine fibroids has been a catalyst for her to help combat the stigma surrounding many medical-conditions, especially those that affect women's health like fibroids, ensuring early education and awareness.
- In her Instagram post, "Speaking My Truth About Uterine Fibroids," Nyong'o shared her own experiences, hoping it would resonate with others who may have felt dismissed, confused, or alone, and advocating for a community of support and furthering public awareness about uterine fibroids and other health issues.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's important to remember that mental health is integral to the recovery process following therapies-and-treatments for various conditions, such as cancer and uterine fibroids, ensuring that resources and support are readily available for patients to address their mental health needs and overall well-being.
