Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it has caused, and for other purposes.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 342 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 342

Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it
has caused, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 21, 2025

Mr. McGovern submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it
has caused, and for other purposes.

Whereas diethylstilbestrol (``DES'') is a toxic and carcinogenic estrogen and
endocrine disrupter;
Whereas the Food and Drug Administration (``FDA'') approved DES in the early
1940s;
Whereas DES was widely prescribed, with the intention of preventing miscarriage,
to between five and ten million pregnant women in the United States
until 1971;
Whereas DES exposure in utero was linked to the development of rare cancers of
the vagina and cervix called clear cell adenocarcinoma in female
children, commonly referred to as ``DES Daughters'';
Whereas the FDA banned the use of DES during pregnancy in the United States in
1971;
Whereas DES exposure in utero has since been linked to increased fertility and
pregnancy complications and other physical and mental health challenges;
Whereas the FDA has acknowledged the harm caused by DES but has yet to apologize
to the families of those impacted by its prolonged use; and
Whereas April 20 through 26, 2025, would be an appropriate week to designate as
``DES Awareness Week'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses support for the designation of ``DES
Awareness Week'';
(2) recognizes the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol
and the harm it has caused;
(3) supports the restoration of funding for the DES Follow-
Up Study; and
(4) urges the Food and Drug Administration to issue a
formal apology to families impacted by diethylstilbestrol.
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