Senate Approves O’Scanlon Bill to Increase Awareness About Women’s Health Issues

The law would require a public awareness campaign to help educate millions of women in New Jersey about how they can avoid potentially life-threatening issues

TRENTON - The New Jersey Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon that would establish a public awareness campaign to promote women’s reproductive health.

‍“Millions of women face health challenges that can impact fertility and even lead to more serious health complications. It is our duty as legislators to ensure that women of all ages have access to life saving resources and information.” said O’Scanlon (R-13).

“Oftentimes, symptoms of certain issues like Toxic Shock Syndrome can be mistaken for flu like illnesses and can lead to life-threatening situations. Providing a way for women to gain greater access to information about their health and preventative care can help encourage more women to consult with a medical professional when experiencing certain symptoms. This bill would launch a public awareness campaign to help educate millions of women in New Jersey about how they can avoid potentially life-threatening issues.”

‍The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health and the Mayo Clinic found that disorders like endometriosis, which is a painful reproductive issue, affects more than 11% of women between the ages of 15 and 44, and often correlates to higher rates of ovarian cancer.

‍Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that more than five million women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is one of the leading cause of infertility in women. PCOS can also lead to other serious health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even stroke.

Sen. O’Scanlon described the impetus for the bill on X (formerly Twitter)

‍Senator O’Scanlon’s bill, S-3393, would require the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) to:

Establish a public awareness campaign to promote awareness about menstruation-related disorders and conditions, and their impact on fertility and maternal health.

• Provide educational information about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for endometriosis, PCOS, and other menstruation-related disorders and conditions.

• Produce materials to encourage women to schedule routine gynecological examinations and consult with physicians regarding their menstrual health.

• Encourage women to seek treatment from medical professionals if they are experiencing symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

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You can view the full version of the bill online.

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Credit: DeclanOScanlon.com