Cleveland Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones has introduced legislation that would authorize $30 million in federal funding for uterine fibroid research each year for five years. That would double the funding. Tubbs Jones worked alongside Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) who introduced legislation in the Senate.

"Right now, hysterectomy is the most common treatment for uterine fibroids, accounting for 200,000, or 30 percent of all hysterectomies in the United States," said Rep. Tubbs Jones. "That is why I am pleased to once again join Senator Mikulski in reintroducing the Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act to find new and better ways to treat or even cure uterine fibroids."

"Even though three quarters of all reproductive age women have uterine fibroids, little is known about them and there are still few good treatment options available. Women deserve better," said Senator Mikulski. "Since my first days in Congress, I have been fighting to make sure women don't get left out or left behind when it comes to their health. This legislation will address this silent epidemic among American women."

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that form within a woman's uterine lining. The disease is also more prevalent in African Americans. Mikulski and Tubbs Jones tried to get the same bill through in the 109th Congress but did not garner enough support for a Floor vote. With Democrats controlling both the House and Senate maybe their Bill will have a better chance in today's political climate.