Sen. Velis Testifies in Support of Legislation to Improve Endometriosis Care

BOSTON — State Sen. John Velis testified on Thursday before the Joint Committee on Public Health in support of legislation to raise awareness and improve treatment of endometriosis. Currently, due to lack of familiarity among medical professionals, it often takes women an average of seven to 10 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis despite experiencing debilitating symptoms. During Velis’s testimony, he spoke personally of the difficult journey a member of his family experienced to 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 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 in Massachusetts.

“If 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 hurdles 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,” Velis said. “We 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.”

Velis added that he is hopeful that the legislation will receive a favorable report by the committee and that the hearing and other advocacy events surrounding the legislation prove to be a great start in spreading awareness around endometriosis among his colleagues and the public.