Fibroid Foundation Outlines Priorities After Executive Order
News related to:The Fibroid Foundation · 2 min read
ROCKVILLE, Md., October 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Fibroid Foundation has outlined key priorities following the October 19, 2026, Executive Order on Advancing Women's Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life. The order, which includes uterine fibroids among conditions needing additional research, has been seen as a significant step toward addressing a common health issue that has long affected women.
Uterine fibroids, noncancerous tumors of the female reproductive system, are the most common tumors in women of reproductive age, affecting an estimated 26 million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 50. These fibroids can lead to a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, pain, and pressure, and can contribute to an annual economic burden of up to $42 billion. Fibroid complications are also a leading reason for hysterectomies, with approximately 300,000 such procedures performed annually.
Sateria Venable, Founder and CEO of The Fibroid Foundation, expressed optimism about the executive order.
The foundation has identified several priorities to address the needs of women living with fibroids. These include strengthening medical education and training to ensure that symptoms are recognized and diagnosed equitably and timely. The foundation also calls for an annual multi-billion dollar investment in research to uncover the etiology of fibroids, which have plagued women of all ethnicities. This investment could significantly reduce the $42 billion annual burden of this health concern.
In addition to research funding, the foundation advocates for the inclusion of uterine fibroids in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to support military service members and veterans. The foundation also encourages the advancement of existing federal fibroid legislation, such as the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act, first introduced in 2020, and the Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act (U-FIGHT Act).
Patient participation is another key priority for the foundation. They emphasize the importance of involving women living with fibroids and patient advocacy organizations in the White House Women's Health Task Force to help shape research priorities, identify gaps in care, and evaluate the impact of implementation on patients' lives.
The Fibroid Foundation, with its 13-year history of advocating for community perspectives and advancing fibroid research, stands ready to work with policymakers, federal health agencies, researchers, and clinicians to ensure that the executive order reflects the needs of patients. Through these collaborations, the foundation aims to drive measurable progress in research, treatment access, and patient care.
The foundation's efforts are part of broader initiatives to advance women's health, including the National Strategy to Close the Women's Health Gap, the Women's Health Moonshot. By working together, the foundation and its partners hope to improve the lives of women living with uterine fibroids and reduce disparities in care.