Uterine Fibroid Research Act

Summary#

This bill would expand federal work on uterine fibroids. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to increase, coordinate, and fund research on uterine fibroids. It authorizes $30,000,000 per year for research for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The bill also requires HHS to create or expand a research database to collect Medicaid and CHIP data on services provided for uterine fibroids and to submit a report to Congress within two years on Federal and State spending for those services. HHS must develop and share public education materials about fibroid awareness, prevalence (including among minority individuals), and treatment options, and may partner with nonprofit groups, colleges, and others to do so. The bill directs HHS to work with medical societies and health systems to promote evidence-based care for people with fibroids, including information about non-hysterectomy treatments. The bill defines "minority individuals" by reference to existing public health law.

What it means for you#

  • The bill supports more federal research on uterine fibroids and coordinates work across NIH and other agencies.
  • HHS will collect more data on how Medicaid and CHIP cover fibroid treatments and will report spending to Congress within two years of enactment.
  • The public could get new education materials about how common fibroids are, higher risks for some racial and ethnic groups, and non-hysterectomy treatment options.
  • Health care providers may receive guidance and outreach to promote evidence-based care for people with fibroids.
  • The bill itself does not directly change Medicaid coverage rules; it focuses on research, data collection, education, and provider information.

Expenses#

  • Research: The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to carry out expanded research activities.
  • Public education and provider information: The bill authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for each fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to carry out education and provider outreach activities.
  • Medicaid/CHIP database and report: The bill requires creation or expansion of a database and requires a report to Congress within two years, but does not specify a dollar appropriation for those activities.
  • The bill's findings also state existing estimates of the national economic burden of fibroids (for example, a range of $5.9 billion to $34.4 billion annually), but those are background findings and not appropriations in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

The bill's findings state that uterine fibroids are very common, cause significant symptoms and medical problems for many people, are under-researched relative to disease burden, and disproportionately affect some racial and ethnic minority groups. The bill frames the need for more research, better data, improved awareness, and more fertility-friendly and less invasive treatment options.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.