Endometriosis Awareness Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, endometriosis is a debilitating disease that affects 6.3 million women and girls in the United States and 176 million worldwide; and

WHEREAS, endometriosis can be seen in girls as young as eight years old; and

WHEREAS, many women go undiagnosed for approximately seven years before ever knowing they have the disease; and

WHEREAS, fifty percent of women with endometriosis visit at least five providers before receiving a diagnosis and/or referral; and

WHEREAS, endometriosis is life altering and it can prevent women and girls from going to school, working, and attending social functions; and

WHEREAS, there is no cure for endometriosis, and diagnosis is through a laparoscopy; and

WHEREAS, The Endometriosis Association estimates there are 96,500 girls, teenagers and women who currently suffer from endometriosis in the state of Alabama:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim March 2017, as

Endometriosis Awareness Month

in the State of Alabama, and I urge my fellow citizens to increase awareness, education and services for Endometriosis which affects thousands of Alabamians.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of March 2017.

Robert Bentley

Governor