BY SERENA EDWARDS
On Sept 30, The New York City Council Gender and Equity Committee proposed new legislation calling for medical resources to help those with endometriosis and Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).
This disease has caused fertility issues with up to 30 to 50% of women being affected and doctors are struggling to find ways to help those who have been diagnosed.
City Council Women Farrah Louis sponsored Intro 295 is a bill that would require the Department of Mental Health and Hygiene to establish a menstrual health program providing screening, referrals, and education to address endometriosis and PMOS.
“Too many women continue to have gaps in awareness diagnoses and access to appropriate care,” said Louis in a letter to the Council.
Endometriosis is a condition that affects women’s reproductive organs (ovaries). It is caused when tissue similar to the uterine lining forms outside of the area, causing inflammation and scarring.
PMOS formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting roughly 10% to 13% of women of reproductive age.
Earlier this year the term PCOS was changed to PMOS sparking a larger conversation within the medical community. “The change reflects a broader understanding that this is a complex endocrine and metabolic condition that affects more than just the ovaries,” stated Councilwoman Louis.
PCOS is known to have severe symptoms that can cause infertility resulting in hysterectomies.
Some symptoms and effects from these conditions include irregular and or painful periods, higher risk for diabetes and heart problems.
“Among women diagnosed with either condition, rates of current fertility problems were substantially higher than women without these diagnoses,” stated Louis in the letter.
These conditions have shown up in women across all ages, mostly detected later on. Louis cited information from the Centers for Disease Control showing that among 49-year-old women, 6.2% have been diagnosed with endometriosis and 8.7% with PCOS in 2023-24.
The bill would also expand the city’s sexual reproductive outreach to include these conditions. The NYC Department of Health does recognize that both conditions do cause severe symptoms in those affected. However, Councilwoman Louis and other councilpersons are calling for action.
“We have an opportunity to change that by making accurate information and pathways to care a part of our city public health infrastructure,” said Louis in her letter.
The bill was ultimately laid over by the committee due to time constraints on other topics within the agenda but will bring up this matter in a later hearing.