U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) today delivered the following remarks during the CBC "Message to America," distributed nationwide to the American Urban Radio Network's (AURN) affiliate stations:

"Hello, this is Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio.

"As the Congressional Black Caucus continues its focus on disparities throughout the 109th Congress, I felt it important to take the time to inform you about a disease that is having a tremendous impact on the African American community - Uterine Fibroids.

"Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause abnormal bleeding, urinary frequency, pain in the back, legs, and pelvis, infertility, and miscarriage.

"One out of every 4 women in their 30s or 40s will seek medical care for uterine fibroids.

"This painful, chronic condition disproportionately affects African American women, who are 3 to 9 times more likely to suffer from uterine fibroids than other women.

"Despite their prevalence, little is known about uterine fibroids, and few good treatment options are available to women who suffer from them.

"More than 200,000 women undergo a hysterectomy each year to treat their uterine fibroids, which requires a six-week recovery, has a 20 to 40% risk of complications, and means a woman can no longer bear children.

"Of the few other treatments for uterine fibroids, many have not undergone the rigorous testing that women expect; in fact, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, a federal health agency, found 'a remarkable lack of high quality evidence supporting the effectiveness of most interventions for symptomatic fibroids.'

"Women deserve better. It is for these reasons that I have partnered with Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland to introduce The Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2005.

"This legislation will do three things. First, expand and coordinate research on Uterine Fibroids at the National Institute of Health to find out what causes uterine fibroids, why some women experience far worse symptoms than others, and why African American women are disproportionately affected.

"Secondly, it will authorize $10 Million for Uterine Fibroid Research each year for 5 Years, essentially doubling the funding for uterine fibroids research at NIH, providing the investment needed to jumpstart basic research and lay the groundwork to find a cure.

"Finally, it will educate health care providers and patients about Uterine Fibroids. According to a 1999 survey conducted by the Society for Women's Health Research, as many as one-third of women who have hysterectomies do so without discussing potential alternatives with their doctors. This bill will make sure women can count on their doctors for information about the best possible treatment for uterine fibroids. Women need to know the facts about Uterine Fibroids to make good health care decisions and take control of their health.

"I encourage you to call your Representative and Senators and ask them to support the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2005.

"This has been Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus. Thank you for listening."