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Bill 273, Endometriosis Awareness Month Act, 2021

Stiles, Marit

Morrison, Suze

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Bill 273 Original (PDF)

EXPLANATORY

NOTE

The

Bill proclaims March in each year as Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Bill 273 2021

Act to proclaim March as Endometriosis Awareness Month

Preamble

Endometriosis

is a common condition experienced by 1 in 10 women, trans and non-binary

menstruators of reproductive age. The disease can cause debilitating

conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, and is sometimes associated with

infertility. Many suffer silently for years without a diagnosis, enduring

extreme pain, nausea and other symptoms. Due to the stigma and shame associated

with menstruation and the lack of knowledge and education around what

constitutes a “normal” period, many sufferers never seek help or, if they do,

find their concerns dismissed.

Endometriosis

is an inflammatory disease process characterized by the growth of abnormal

tissue, similar to that which lines the uterus, outside of the uterus in the

pelvic cavity. Endometriosis leads to the formation of lesions, cysts, nodules

and other abnormal tissue growths.

The misplaced tissue responds in the same way

that the tissue in the uterus does during the menstrual cycle , and symptoms can

become exacerbated during menstruation. While menstrual blood leaves the body

during menstruation, the blood and tissue resulting from endometriosis have

nowhere to go. This process results in inflammation and scarring, causing

painful symptoms and contributing to infertility.

There

is no cause yet known for the disease, and diagnostics and treatment can often

be severely delayed from the onset of symptoms. In many cases, menstruators can

go up to eight years or longer without a diagnosis. Endometriosis can be

treated through medical and surgical interventions, but long surgery wait times

can cause further delays in treatment.

Research

shows that youth with endometriosis symptoms are more likely to miss one or

more days of school per month, causing them to fall behind in their studies and

leading to adverse effects on their grades and self-confidence. For adults with

endometriosis, this can translate to a loss of 10 hours of productivity per

week. It is estimated that endometriosis costs the Canadian economy $1.8

billion per year.

The

month of March is recognized as Endometriosis Awareness Month. Increasing

public awareness of endometriosis is imperative as many menstruators spend

years unaware their symptoms are abnormal. Delays in diagnosis and treatment

can negatively impact education, work and quality of life for those with

endometriosis. Proclaiming the month of March Endometriosis Awareness Month in

Ontario provides an opportunity to educate the public about this common yet misunderstood

disease and to encourage conversations and education around what is a “normal”

period.

Therefore,

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of

the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Endometriosis

Awareness Month

The

Month of March in each year is proclaimed as Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Commencement

This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short

title

The

short title of this Act is the Endometriosis

Awareness Month Act, 2021 .

Date Bill stage Event Outcome Committee

March 31, 2021

First Reading

Vote

Carried

Debates and Progress

First Reading

March 31, 2021

Committee

Second Reading

Committee

Third Reading

Royal Assent

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