Designates March 1 of each year as "Endometriosis Awareness Day" in New Jersey.

AJR141

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 141

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman� SHANIQUE SPEIGHT

District 29 (Essex and Hudson)

SYNOPSIS

���� Designates March 1 of every year as �Endometriosis
Awareness Day� in New Jersey.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

A Joint
Resolution

designating March 1 of
every year, as �Endometriosis Awareness Day� in New Jersey

Whereas,
Endometriosis is a chronic
disease impacting millions of menstruating individuals as well as premenarchal
and post-menopausal individuals
,
many of whom reside in the State of New
Jersey; and

Whereas,
Endometriosis affects a
menstruating individual�s reproductive system when tissue typically found in
the uterus grows in areas outside of the uterus causing severe discomfort and
other complications; and

Whereas,
In addition to its physical
effects, endometriosis can also take a toll on an individual�s emotional and
mental well being; and

Whereas
,
Roughly one in 10
menstruating individuals worldwide suffer from endometriosis and 30-50 percent
of those diagnosed will experience difficulties conceiving; and

Whereas,
The normalization of
menstrual pain by many individuals and medical professionals and a lack of
public awareness has led to endometriosis diagnoses being delayed by seven to
10 years; and

Whereas,
Early diagnosis and
effective treatments such as hormone therapy and surgical intervention are
critical to managing symptoms but are not always available to low and
middle-income individuals; and

Whereas,
The economic burden of
endometriosis on our health care system totals approximately $80 billion
annually underlining the need for greater research and medical innovation to
care for endometriosis patients; and

Whereas,
It is essential to
recognize the efforts of the estimated 11 percent of American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists that dedicate their lives to fighting this
disease; and

Whereas,
Raising awareness for
endometriosis can bring about more research

funding for this disease
that can lead to treatment breakthroughs and faster diagnoses; and

Whereas,
March is nationally
recognized as �Endometriosis Awareness Month�. Therefore by designating March 1
of each year as �Endometriosis Awareness Day,� New Jersey will join the broader
movement to spread awareness about this disease; now, therefore,

����
Be It
Resolved
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1. �March 1 of each year is
designated �Endometriosis Awareness Day� in New Jersey to raise awareness of
endometriosis, and to recognize the efforts of the 11 percent of American
College Obstetricians and Gynecologists who dedicate their lives to fighting this
disease.

���� 2. �The Governor shall
annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, and all citizens
of this State, to observe �Endometriosis Awareness Day� with appropriate
programs and activities.

���� 3. �This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

���� This resolution designates
March 1 of each year as �Endometriosis Awareness Day� in New Jersey, with the
aim of raising public awareness about endometriosis, a chronic disease that
affects approximately one in 10 menstruating individuals worldwide. Endometriosis
occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the
uterus, leading to severe discomfort and potential difficulties conceiving.

���� The impact of endometriosis is
significant, costing the United States healthcare system approximately $80
billion annually. Despite its prevalence, the normalization of menstrual pain
by society and the medical profession often leads to delayed diagnoses, with
many individuals suffering in silence for seven to 10 years before receiving
proper medical attention.

���� Nationally, the month of March
is recognized as �Endometriosis Awareness Month�, dedicated to spreading
information about endometriosis and acknowledging the healthcare workers
fighting against it. By designating March 1 as �Endometriosis Awareness Day�,
New Jersey will contribute to the national movement to increase public
awareness about endometriosis and ensure that those affected can access the
care and support they need.