July 01, 2026
WHEREAS, uterine fibroids - non-cancerous tumors of the uterus - are among the most common gynecological conditions, affecting up to 70% of all women and more than 80% of Black women in their lifetime; and,
WHEREAS, uterine fibroids may cause significant health challenges, including heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, pelvic pain, bladder pressure, fatigue, and infertility; and,
WHEREAS, uterine fibroids remain the leading cause of hysterectomies (surgical removal of the uterus) in the United States - a procedure which may have lasting impacts on the physical and emotional health of patients; and,
WHEREAS, uterus-preserving treatment options for uterine fibroids (e.g., myomectomy) may only temporarily or partially reduce these life-altering symptoms; and,
WHEREAS, the causes of uterine fibroids are not fully understood - including factors underlying earlier age of onset, more numerous and/or more severe symptoms - limiting the development of effective prevention strategies; and,
WHEREAS, despite the prevalence and burden, uterine fibroids continue to go undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma around women’s reproductive and menstrual health, lack of awareness, limited access to specialists, or normalization of symptoms; and,
WHEREAS, an occasion is needed to raise awareness about uterine fibroids and, in so doing, confront stigma, encourage care-seeking, signal the need for dedicated research and innovation, and promote greater understanding of women’s health; and,
WHEREAS, the state of Michigan joins Michigan Medicine in committing - through recognition of Fibroid Awareness Month - to the continued support of patients, families, advocates, health care professionals, researchers, and community organizations who are working to increase awareness, improve treatment, and advance quality of life for those affected by uterine fibroids; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as Fibroid Awareness Month in Michigan.
