Albany, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) today announced that her legislation to raise awareness about endometriosis and other common menstrual disorders passed the New York State Assembly and Senate, and now heads to the Governor for signature.

The bill will require schools and health care practitioners to provide menstruators with easy-to-understand information about common menstrual disorders, such as endometriosis.

“As a result of the stigma that continues to shroud periods, millions of menstruators needlessly suffer in silence for years with un-diagnosed menstrual disorders. Information is power, and this legislation will help empower young menstruators to understand their bodies and demand treatment. It will also help to smash the stigma by fostering discussion in the classroom,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF- Manhattan). “We cannot break down barriers if we do not talk about menstruation and menstrual disorders, and passage of this legislation into law will help push the conversation around periods to the fore in schools statewide," she said.

Padma Lakshmi, Co-Founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound), "All teenage girls and boys should learn about periods and the symptoms of endometriosis since ten percent of females suffer from it. If I had known in high school, I could have saved myself so much pain and isolation. It would have been such a game changer."

"I’m encouraged that women’s reproductive health is getting the attention it deserves - finally! This is a big step forward to educate our young people about their bodies. Hopefully, other states will follow New York’s passing of this bill, and make menstrual health disorders like endometriosis awareness part of their curriculum. Today was a win for all women," Diana Falzone, Journalist and Women’s Health Advocate.

"I applaud New York State for being the first to pass legislation vital to educating young women about endometriosis at the age of disease onset - with the first period. Bringing endometriosis education to New York State's students is a critical step in reducing a delay in diagnosis and overcoming stigmas associated with menstruation. No longer should talk about a woman's period be taboo. Young women, in particular, need to know that painful periods are not normal and that there is help. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive; those living with endometriosis are no exception," said Tamer Seckin, MD, co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America.

Approximately one in ten women in United States suffers from endometriosis. Despite it being among the most common menstrual disorders, most menstruators suffer for ten or more years in excruciating pain before getting a diagnosis. Endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility and hysterectomy in the US, and is a known precursor to ovarian cancer. Early education among menstruators is imperative. Further, open dialogue around menstrual disorders will help eliminate the shame that so often keeps young menstruators from seeking support.

Senator Monica R. Martinez, who sponsored the bill in the State Senate said, “In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 1 out of every 10 women suffer from endometriosis. While this is not an uncommon condition, many people are completely unaware of the disease, and the lack of awareness often results in a patient’s prolonged suffering and misdiagnosis. The symptoms of this condition can cause serious pain that often disrupts a woman’s social, mental, and professional life. This legislation will help promote conversations regarding these issues and ensure that young women have the education they need in order to take proactive steps to positive menstrual health. I want to thank Senator Sue Serino and Assemblymember Rosenthal for their advocacy and dedication for bringing attention to this critical health concern.”

“My legislative efforts have helped position New York as a national leader on menstrual equity. New York axed the tax on tampons, and all public and charter middle and high schools statewide are now required to provide menstrual products to students free of charge. Access is vital, but it’s only one piece of the broader menstrual movement; this legislation is about raising awareness and creating empowerment,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.

Senator Sue Serino said, “Since introducing this legislation, I have heard from countless women who spent years suffering in silence while unknowingly dealing with the devastating side effects of endometriosis and other menstrual disorders month after month. By providing young women with critically important resources that will empower them to seek help sooner, this bill has the potential to help reverse the statistics that make endometriosis the leading cause of infertility among women. I thank Senator Martinez and Assemblymember Rosenthal, for joining us in this fight and I encourage the Governor to sign this important legislation into law as soon as possible.”

Rosenthal was the author of 2016 legislation that successfully axed the state and local sales tax on menstrual products. She was the prime sponsor of legislation requiring free menstrual products to public and charter school students statewide in grades 6 through 12. She authored legislation which now require menstrual products be provided free to individuals incarcerated in state and local correctional facilities. She is the sponsor of legislation to require menstrual products be provided free to individuals in shelters statewide, to require ingredient labeling on menstrual product packaging and the TAMPACT, which would require menstrual products be provided for free in public restrooms as is toilet paper.

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal is the Chair of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. She represents the 67^th Assembly district, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of the Clinton/ Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods in Manhattan.