(Boston- 7/10/2025) Today, Senator John C. Velis testified before the Joint Committee on Public Health in support of legislation, S1638 An Act relative to endometriosis awareness, to raise awareness and improve treatment of endometriosis- a serious, yet commonly unheard of, womenās health condition. Currently, due the lack of familiarity among medical professionals it often takes women an average of 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis despite experiencing debilitating symptoms. During Velisās testimony he spoke personally to the difficult journey a member of his family experienced to both be diagnosed and receive treatment.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows on the outside of the uterus causing excruciating pain throughout the whole body. With many medical professionals unfamiliar with the condition and effective treatments, the legislation taps on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to create a Special Commission on Endometriosis to provide policy recommendations on how diagnosis, treatment and research of the condition can be improved within Massachusetts.
āIf you asked me five years ago what Endometriosis is, I truthfully would not have had an answer for you. However, I have now seen first-hand the serious hurtles women with this condition must navigate to not only have their pain taken seriously but to receive a diagnosis right here in Massachusetts, home to the best healthcare institutions in the country, I was beside myself,ā shared Senator John C. Velis. āWe have a real opportunity here to not only spread awareness and begin a conversation in our Commonwealth, but also improve the research and treatment available to people suffering from endometriosis.ā
Velis shared that he is hopeful that the legislation will receive a favorable report by the Committee and that todayās hearing and other advocacy events surrounding the legislation have been a great start in spreading awareness around endometriosis among his colleagues and the public.
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