Video & Transcript Research : 'endometriosis'
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MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Health Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Joint Committee on Public Health
Transcript Highlights:
- Endometriosis stole my reproductive organs...
- None of them knew about endometriosis.
- I'm a lucky endometriosis patient.
- Well, I navigate endometriosis myself.
- felt much like my endometriosis journey.
Summary:
The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill.
The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony.
Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I am an endometriosis sufferer. I've been suffering...
- I suffer with endometriosis.
- Endometriosis is not limited to the reproductive system.
- Endometriosis is not rare, and it is not temporary.
- Endometriosis is not rare, and it is not temporary.
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and advanced Senate Bills 6102 and 6103 with due-pass recommendations to the Rules Committee, and referred Senate Bill 6194 to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. SB 6102 would align the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee with federal regulations, SB 6103 would make payments for rural emergency hospital services subject to appropriation, and SB 6194 would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations under specified conditions.
The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, beginning in 2027, to cover FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor and one testifier supported the bill as a way to reduce barriers to timely HIV treatment and prevention; sign-in testimony showed 53 pro, 58 con, and one other. SB 5985 would create an online endometriosis resource center, require Department of Health training modules, and direct OSPI to include menstrual health and endometriosis awareness in school standards. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians testified in support, emphasizing long diagnostic delays and the need for earlier education; sign-in testimony showed 36 pro, 56 con, and 92 not testifying.
SB 6019 would revise home care rate statutes to clarify how Medicaid home care agency rates are set, cap administrative portions at 20%, and require verification that funds are spent as required. The sponsor, labor, and provider representatives supported it as a technical fix to preserve pay parity, while sign-in testimony showed 46 pro and 57 con. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public and provider materials when appropriate and to consult experts; supporters said it could help reduce cognitive decline and align with the state Alzheimer’s plan, while sign-in testimony showed 61 pro and 62 con.
Finally, SB 6210 would authorize the Health Benefit Exchange to add a new certification criterion for marketplace plans to address affordability and access, including possible requirements tied to county availability, plan differentiation, and metal-level offerings. The prime sponsor, the Exchange, AARP, and patient advocates supported it as a response to rising premiums and limited choices, especially in rural or single-carrier counties; insurers, brokers, and some carriers opposed it, warning it could reduce competition, create uncertainty, and raise costs. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner supported the bill with a requested amendment to avoid premature disclosure of proposed rates.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 22nd, 2026 at 08:00 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- About 50% of infertility cases are due to endometriosis.
- I suffer with endometriosis.
- I suffer with endometriosis.
- Endometriosis is not limited to the reproductive system.
- Endometriosis is not rare, and it is not temporary.
Keywords:
endometriosis, healthcare, reproductive health, patient education, awareness campaign, home care, home care services, home care agency, home care worker, caregiver, direct care, consumer directed employer, consumer-directed care, Medicaid, long-term care, aging services, disability services, personal care, respite care, vendor rate
Summary:
The committee first met in executive session and advanced SB 6102, SB 6103, and SB 6194. SB 6102, concerning the Ambulance Transport Fund quality assurance fee, and SB 6103, concerning payments for rural emergency hospitals, were both given due pass recommendations to the Rules Committee. SB 6194, which would allow cost-based Medicaid payments for certain rural hospitals on federally recognized Indian reservations, was referred to the Ways and Means Committee without recommendation. All three actions were approved without recorded opposition.
The committee then held hearings on several public hearing bills. SB 6183 would require health plans, including public employee plans, to cover all FDA-approved HIV antiviral drugs without prior authorization, step therapy, or other utilization management, with one therapeutic-equivalent exception for prevention drugs. The prime sponsor argued it would reduce barriers to timely treatment and prevention, and a person living with HIV testified that insurance changes had once interrupted access to medication. The hearing drew substantial public interest, with testimony and sign-in counts reported as 53 pro, 58 con, and one other.
SB 5985 would create an endometriosis online resource center, Department of Health training modules, and related school health curriculum updates. The sponsor and multiple patients and clinicians described long diagnostic delays, dismissed symptoms, and the need for better education; testimony was strongly supportive, though the sign-in count showed both support and opposition. SB 6019 proposed changes to home care rate statutes to preserve parity and set administrative-rate caps; labor and provider witnesses supported it as a technical fix, while the committee also discussed an updated fiscal note. SB 6161 would direct the Department of Health to include dementia risk-reduction information in public health materials and provider resources when appropriate; the sponsor, Alzheimer’s advocates, and family members supported it as a low-cost prevention measure.
Finally, SB 6210 would let the Health Benefit Exchange add a new certification criterion for exchange plans to address affordability and access, including county availability and plan differentiation. The sponsor, the Exchange, and supporters said it could help prevent bare counties and improve affordability amid rising premiums and federal subsidy changes, while the Insurance Commissioner requested an amendment to protect rate confidentiality. Carriers, brokers, and some insurers opposed the bill, warning it could destabilize the market, reduce competition, and pressure premiums; AARP and some consumers supported it as a way to preserve access and choice.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Mar 19th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- Whereas the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts will recognize March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness
- Whereas the endometriosis alliance of Massachusetts will recognize March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness
- Month. 2006 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- The clerk of the Senate to the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate opened with ceremonial items and several unanimous or voice votes, including adoption of a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout. It then enacted two bills: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure directing the Boston Police Department to waive the maximum age requirement for a police officer applicant. The chamber also handled a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while on Navy training, and it printed that statement in the journal.
The Senate next considered multiple local bills and committee reports, including third-reading and engrossment votes for a Rutland recall elections bill, a Boxford liquor license extension bill, and another Boston police age-waiver bill. It also adopted several extension orders for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Committee on Health Care Financing, with senators explaining that some matters were late files or required additional stakeholder input, hearings, or coordination with larger bills. Most of these procedural motions were adopted by voice vote after brief debate.
A major portion of the session focused on H. 2145, designating October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day, which passed to be engrossed by roll call, 38-0. Senator Feeney gave an emotional floor speech describing the bill as a way to create space for awareness and support for families experiencing pregnancy loss. The Senate then adopted a resolution recognizing March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month, with Senators Kennedy and others highlighting the need for greater awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of endometriosis.
The chamber then took up the omnibus “Pets Act,” S. 3014, which combined several animal welfare measures. Senators Montigny, O’Connor, Todd, Rauch, and Payano spoke in support of provisions banning retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits from pet shops, strengthening animal cruelty enforcement, expanding protections for pets in housing, and prohibiting breed discrimination in certain housing and insurance contexts. Senator Keenan offered amendments on renter insurance, nuisance/quiet enjoyment, and property damage; one nuisance-related amendment was adopted, while the insurance and property-damage amendments were rejected. Senator Tarr’s amendment on research animals was adopted, as were amendments expanding animal welfare standards and, after negotiation, a compromise amendment broadening tethering protections to all domestic animals and directing related funds to the homeless animal fund. The Ways and Means amendment was then adopted as amended, the bill was ordered to a third reading, and the Senate began a roll-call vote on engrossment when the transcript ended.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolutions commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts for its recognition of March 26 as
- Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- Whereas the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts will recognize March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness
- Month. 2006 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- The clerk of the Senate to the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts. Thank you.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, adopted a resolution congratulating Grant Marshall on earning Eagle Scout, and then passed two local/private bills to enactment: a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee and a measure waiving the Boston Police Department’s maximum age requirement for Luis Cabral. The chamber also received and journalized a communication from Senator Rush stating he would have voted yes on S. 3014 while away on Navy training.
The Senate then took up several committee rule-suspension and extension orders. It approved extensions for the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security on two late-filed matters until July 31, 2026, and approved two Health Care Financing extension orders, one extending 15 bills to March 31, 2026 and another extending six bills to May 1, 2026. Senators explained the delays as needed for hearings, stakeholder input, and mandated benefit reviews. The chamber also advanced local bills for Rutland recall elections, Boxford liquor licenses, Boston police age waivers, and Milton school construction timing, and adopted a resolution recognizing Endometriosis Awareness Month.
A major portion of the session was devoted to H. 3014, the omnibus “Pets Act,” which combined provisions on animal welfare, pet shop sales, housing, insurance, and enforcement. Senators supporting the bill described it as banning the retail sale of dogs and cats from puppy mills, strengthening anti-cruelty enforcement, expanding access for animal control officers, limiting breed discrimination in housing and insurance, and protecting pet ownership in subsidized housing. Several amendments were debated: some were withdrawn or rejected, including proposals on renters’ insurance, nuisance barking, and property damage; others were adopted, including a compromise expanding protections for domestic animals, standards on animal welfare, and reporting/adoption requirements for research animals. The Ways and Means amendment was adopted as amended, and the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by roll call, with 38 members voting in the affirmative and none in the negative.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal with Calendar) Mar 19th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 26 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- Endometriosis affects approximately 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth, yet it remains
- Whereas the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts will recognize March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness
- Month. 2006 as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
- The clerk of the Senate to the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts. Thank you.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (05/07/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- This woman had endometriosis, begged her doctor for a hysterectomy for years. They denied her.
- This woman had endometriosis, begged her doctor for a hysterectomy for years. They denied her.
- This woman had endometriosis, begged her doctor for a hysterectomy for years. They denied her.
- This woman had endometriosis, begged her doctor for a hysterectomy for years. They denied her.
- :42.399><c> they</c><00:28:42.640><c> can</c> dysphoria has endometriosis they can dysphoria has endometriosis
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 26 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- filed by Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and other members of the House, commending the Endometriosis
- Alliance of Massachusetts on its recognition of March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month, ought to
- Filed by Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and other members of the House, commending the Endometriosis
- Alliance of Massachusetts for its recognition of March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month, ought
Summary:
The House began with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several committee reports and procedural orders. It adopted a resolution commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts for recognizing March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month. The House also adopted multiple orders extending committee reporting deadlines, including for the Committees on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities; Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; Health Care Financing; Revenue; and Transportation. In addition, the House concurred with a Senate referral on legislation concerning Great River Regional School Districts and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send two petitions to committee, one on retirement benefits for Suzanne Garcia and another on senior property tax credits.
The Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling recommended a slate of bills for House consideration, including measures on call firefighter rights, foreclosure protection for recently widowed spouses, wage protections for electronic wage cards and hospital workers, a minimum wage for airline catering employees, incentives for donations to local nonprofits, limits on prison labor, and a sick leave bank for a DCF employee. After suspending Rule 7A, the House gave these bills second reading and ordered them to a third reading.
On third reading and final action, the House passed to be enacted a sick leave bank bill for a Department of Correction employee, concurred in a Senate amendment to a land conveyance bill for Brockton, and passed to be engrossed several local and special legislation bills, including measures involving Conway police and fire department employees and an Arlington firefighter civil service exception. The House then adopted an order to meet again Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned to that time in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- When I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the
- five minutes of seeing the specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, he was almost certain I had endometriosis
- five minutes of seeing the specialist at Boston Children's Hospital, he was almost certain I had endometriosis
- It takes a person an average of 8 to 10 years to get diagnosed with endometriosis.
- ... ...the systemic inequities in health care that leave thousands of people with endometriosis and other
Summary:
The committee held a hearing on several health care access and insurance-related bills, with most testimony focused on H.1136 to improve the prior authorization process. The Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, Health Care for All, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, physicians, and hospital representatives all supported the bill, arguing that prior authorization delays care, increases administrative burden, contributes to clinician burnout, and can worsen patient outcomes. Witnesses described examples involving delayed cancer treatment, diabetes care, COPD medication, shingles pain treatment, and hospital discharge delays. They said the bill would preserve prior authorization but add guardrails such as longer validity periods, continuity-of-care protections, faster responses for urgent care, clearer lists of services requiring authorization, and more transparency and standardization.
The committee also heard testimony on H.1142/S.783 regarding equitable reimbursement for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), with Senator Lovely and CRNA advocates supporting parity with physician anesthesiologists. They said CRNAs provide the same services at the same standard of care, but private insurers sometimes reimburse them at lower rates than physicians, which they argued is inconsistent with federal and state policy and harms access. Senator Keenan testified in support of a bill addressing claim denials and appeals, saying insurers should provide clearer explanations, time to resubmit claims, and timely appeal responses. Dr. Lorraine Schratz supported H.1126 to align state patient disclosure requirements with federal No Surprises Act rules, and Dr. Michael Trimbley supported H.1120 to recognize direct primary care as not being insurance and to encourage primary care participation.
The committee also heard testimony on H.1140/S.801 to remove barriers to patient care by updating insurance statutes to reflect nurse practitioners’ full practice authority, and on H.1168/S.A.18 to eliminate the PCP referral requirement for specialty gynecological care. Witnesses on those bills described delays and denials affecting autism diagnosis, nutrition coverage, and endometriosis care, and said the proposals would reduce unnecessary barriers and improve timely access. After testimony and a few member questions, the chair closed the hearing; no votes were taken during the session.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The next bill before you is Senate Bill 5985, sponsored by Senator Orwall, relating to endometriosis.
- The next bill before you is Senate Bill 5985, sponsored by Senator Orwall, relating to endometriosis.
- directs the University of Washington to begin establishing the online resource center focusing on endometriosis
- We have Senate Bill 5985 before us concerning endometriosis.
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee met on January 27 and heard extensive public testimony on several bills before moving into executive session. Senate Bill 5921 would create a Department of Health medical psilocybin program for adults with qualifying conditions, with licensed producers and clinician participation requirements, training, background checks, and program standards. Supporters, including the sponsor and many clinicians, veterans, first responders, and patients, described psilocybin as promising for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, trauma, and end-of-life anxiety, while opponents and some medical groups raised concerns about missing safeguards, contraindications, monitoring, cost, and the bill’s narrow medical model. Testimony was split sharply, with many also urging broader decriminalization or community-use protections. The committee later heard Senate Bill 6115, which would have the Department of Health contract for age-appropriate cancer education for grades 6-12; supporters from Cancer Pathways, educators, and families said it would improve prevention and risk awareness, while the bill drew substantial opposition in sign-in counts, and the hearing was ultimately closed without action that day.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 5185, a pilot pathway for international medical graduates to obtain full unrestricted primary care licensure after supervised clinical practice, completion of exam and competency requirements, and annual reporting. The sponsor, Washington Medical Association, the Medical Commission, and IMG advocates said the proposal would expand access to primary care while maintaining patient safety, and the bill received supportive testimony. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes and advanced Senate Bill 5916 on non-opioid pain drugs, Senate Bill 5985 on endometriosis, Senate Bill 6019 on home care rate statutes, Senate Bill 6161 on dementia information, and Senate Bill 6183 on HIV antiviral drug coverage. For Senate Bill 5981 on the 340B drug pricing program, the committee adopted an amendment adding reporting and transparency requirements before moving the bill forward. The committee then adjourned, and the remaining hearing items were rescheduled for a later date.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (04/23/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 18.
- I was diagnosed with endometriosis when I was 18.
- Um, I have stage 4 endometriosis. I've had it since I was 12 years old.
- I've had it since I was endometriosis.
- When in surgery and they opened me up, they found that I had endometriosis.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 26 Mar 19th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Jun 21st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolutions commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts for its recognition of March 26th
- as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and took up two resolutions, laying aside one commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts and adopting the other, which commended the Admetech Foundation for recognizing the 17th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The chamber then recessed while it received the certified returns from the special election in the First Middlesex District and appointed a committee to canvass the votes.
The special committee reported that the votes had been canvassed and that Vanna Howard appeared duly elected. The Senate then appointed a committee to notify Governor Maura Healey and the Executive Council that the Senate was ready for the swearing-in, and Howard was formally administered the oath of office as senator from the First Middlesex District. Governor Healey and Senate leaders offered welcoming remarks highlighting Howard’s background, her historic status as the first Cambodian American state senator, and the significance of her service.
In her remarks, Howard thanked voters, supporters, family, and mentors, reflected on her journey as a refugee from Cambodia, and said she was committed to continuing the work of her predecessors and serving the district. After the ceremony, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m. in formal session, ordered Howard’s remarks spread upon the record, and approved the emergency preamble for an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosher, an employee of the Department of Correction. The Senate then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Mar 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Resolutions commending the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts for its recognition of March 26th
- as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and took up two ceremonial resolutions: one honoring the Endometriosis Alliance of Massachusetts and another recognizing the Atmitech Foundation for the 17th annual prostate cancer awareness day. The endometriosis resolution was set aside, while the prostate cancer resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The chamber then recessed to canvass the special election returns for the First Middlesex District. A special committee reported that Vanna Howard was duly elected, and the Senate adopted orders to notify the Governor, constitutional officers, and Executive Council so Howard could be sworn in. Governor Maura Healey and Senate leadership offered remarks welcoming Howard, praising her service, resilience, and historic election as the first Cambodian American state senator in the United States.
Howard was then sworn in and delivered remarks thanking voters, supporters, family, and mentors, and reflecting on her background as a refugee from Cambodia and her commitment to public service. After the ceremony, the Senate adopted an order to meet again the next day at 11 a.m., spread Howard’s remarks upon the record, and approved an emergency preamble for an act establishing a sick leave bank for Sally DeRosher, an employee of the Department of Correction, by a standing vote of 18 in favor and none opposed. The Senate then adjourned.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Full Formal without Calendar) Mar 18th, 2026
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Health & Long-Term Care Jan 27th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Health & Long-Term Care
Transcript Highlights:
- The next bill before you is Senate Bill 5985, sponsored by Senator Orwall, relating to endometriosis.
- directs the University of Washington to begin establishing the online resource center focusing on endometriosis
- We have Senate Bill 5985 before us concerning endometriosis.
Keywords:
psilocybin, mental health, therapy, decriminalization, legalization, international medical graduates, preceptorship, hardship pathways, medical practice, licensure, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund, abortion savings account, health carrier assessment, insurance assessment, health insurer tax, Department of Health
Summary:
The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee held public hearings on several bills, with most of the discussion centered on Senate Bill 5921, which would create a Department of Health medical psilocybin program for adults with qualifying conditions. The staff briefing described licensing for producers and participating clinicians, training and safety standards, data collection, and a 2028 effective date. Senator Jesse Solomon said the bill uses a medical-control model and is intended to provide supervised access for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters included clinicians, veterans, first responders, and patients who described personal benefit and argued the bill would create a safe, regulated pathway; opponents and some medical groups raised concerns about missing safeguards, contraindications, monitoring, cost, and the bill’s exclusion of broader decriminalization or community-use protections. The hearing closed with 25 people signed in pro, 140 con, and 7 other.
The committee also heard Senate Bill 5185, a pilot program to create a pathway for international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full unrestricted primary care licensure. Senator Rebecca Saldana and supporters from the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington Medical Commission, and the International Medical Graduate Academy said the bill builds on an existing pathway, improves access to care, and maintains patient safety standards. No opposition testimony was presented, and the hearing closed with 9 pro and 118 con sign-ins.
In executive session, the committee advanced several bills with amendments or substitutes: SB 5916 on non-opioid pain drugs, SB 5981 on 340B drug pricing transparency, SB 5985 on endometriosis resources, SB 6019 on home care rate statutes, SB 6161 on Department of Health dementia information, and SB 6183 on HIV antiviral drug coverage. The committee adopted proposed substitutes or amendments and sent the bills onward, with some referred to Rules and others to Ways and Means. The committee later reopened and completed the hearing on Senate Bill 6115, which would fund a comprehensive cancer education program for students in grades 6 through 12. Supporters, including Cancer Pathways staff, educators, and families affected by cancer, said early education could reduce risk behaviors like vaping and improve prevention; the hearing closed with 33 pro and 665 con sign-ins, and the remaining two agenda bills were postponed to a later hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- but the prenatal care that moms need, the support for postpartum mental health, the support for endometriosis
- Also, you know, one other point I will make is that endometriosis is not being, you know, care for endometriosis
- There is no national attack on care for endometriosis.
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion.
The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills.
The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- As it turned out, I actually had stage four of all three types of endometriosis.
- As it turned out, I actually had stage four of all three types of endometriosis.
- As it turned out, I actually had stage four of all three types of endometriosis.
- As it turned out, I actually had stage four of all three types of endometriosis.
- As it turned out, I actually had stage four of all three types of endometriosis.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232 from prime sponsor Representative Mark Pearson, who said the bill is intended to protect conscience rights for health care professionals and students, especially in relation to abortion and sterilization-related procedures. He argued that protecting ethical objections would help retain and recruit medical workers in New Hampshire, reduce moral injury, and preserve patient access to care. Pearson said the bill is not meant to allow discrimination based on protected characteristics and emphasized that it is limited to objections to specific procedures, with an amendment added to address concerns raised by Chairman Lynn.
Members questioned Pearson closely about the scope of the bill and amendment, including whether it could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers or receptionists, whether a provider could refuse emergency care, and who would determine when an emergency exists. Pearson said the bill does not apply to emergency situations or to treatment after an abortion has already occurred, and he stated that emergency triage would control in obvious emergencies. He also said the intent was not to allow a person to take a job and then unexpectedly refuse duties, and he suggested the amendment could be tweaked to clarify its application to facilities and staff.
Additional questions focused on whether the bill should be broader than the procedures listed, how it would interact with federal conscience protections, and whether it could affect contraception-related services, including pharmacies. Pearson responded that the bill addresses the specific issues raised by people he and his wife had spoken with, and he was open to revising the amendment to reduce ambiguity. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Mar 25th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- with early puberty in young girls, which has lifelong negative health impacts, increased cases of endometriosis
- are associated, as the author mentioned, with reproductive disorders, altered puberty timing, endometriosis
Summary:
The Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee met to adopt its rules, establish quorum, and approve a consent calendar of five bills, all sent to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee then heard three measures: AB 638 by Assembly Member Rodriguez on stormwater capture for irrigation of urban public lands; AB 60 by Assembly Member Papin on banning synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products; and AB 916 by Assembly Member Lee on restricting certain antibacterial soap ingredients in consumer hand soaps and body washes.
AB 638 was presented as a climate and water-supply measure directing the State Water Resources Control Board to develop guidelines for capturing and safely reusing stormwater for irrigation. Supporters, including NRDC and several environmental groups, argued it would reduce potable water use and help move stalled projects forward. The bill drew no opposition and received strong support from committee members, including requests to coauthor. It passed the committee on a due pass motion to Appropriations.
AB 60 would ban synthetic nitro musks in cosmetics and personal care products due to health and environmental concerns. Supporters cited endocrine disruption, reproductive harms, persistence in waterways, and international restrictions. The bill passed on a due pass motion to the floor, with one member not voting. AB 916 generated the most debate: supporters said the three targeted antimicrobials offer no added benefit over plain soap, may contribute to health harms and antibiotic resistance, and should be banned in consumer products while exempting health care settings. Opponents argued the ingredients are already under FDA and DTSC review, raised preemption concerns, and warned of costs and impacts on food handling and other uses. After extensive discussion, the committee approved AB 916 on a due pass motion to the Committee on Health, with several no votes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the pharmacy picking up one of these medications for managing a miscarriage or treating their endometriosis
- know, the irony too is that Most of us on this floor will never know what it feels like to have endometriosis
Bills:
SB 8, SB 1, SB 2, SB 5, SB 10, HB27, HB7, HB17, HB1, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB20, HB18, HB7, HB17, HB1, HB20, HB18, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SB1, SR85, SR87, SB8, SB5, SB2, SB10, HB27
Keywords:
sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, disaster relief, flood preparedness, emergency funding, local government support, meteorological forecasting, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam