Bill Summary
This resolution is proposing the establishment of a National Ostomy Awareness Day on October 5, 2019. An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen for the removal of bodily waste when a person has lost normal function of their digestive or urinary systems due to various medical conditions. This resolution aims to increase public awareness and acceptance of ostomy surgery and continent diversion surgery, which are often necessary for those with birth defects, cancer, or traumatic injuries. By observing this day, the resolution hopes to promote education and erase the stigma and discrimination associated with having an ostomy. It also acknowledges the efforts of ostomy support organizations in providing education, mutual aid, and advocacy for those with ostomies. The resolution encourages people to observe the day with appropriate awareness and educational activities to help improve ostomy care and understanding in society.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation acknowledges and brings awareness to the fact that a significant number of people in the United States have an ostomy or continent diversion, and encourages the public to become more educated and accepting of these individuals. This could positively impact those with ostomies by promoting a more accepting and supportive society.
2. The legislation emphasizes that having an ostomy does not decrease life expectancy, which could help alleviate fears and misconceptions about the procedure. This could potentially improve the mental and emotional well-being of individuals who have had or are considering an ostomy.
3. The legislation recognizes the importance of education and awareness in erasing the stigma and discrimination associated with having an ostomy. This could lead to increased understanding and acceptance of these individuals in various aspects of society, such as employment and healthcare.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 601 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 601
Supporting the designation of October 5, 2019, as National Ostomy
Awareness Day.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 26, 2019
Mr. Payne (for himself, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and
Mr. Soto) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Oversight and Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Supporting the designation of October 5, 2019, as National Ostomy
Awareness Day.
Whereas an ostomy is a type of surgery that creates an opening in the abdomen
that allows for the removal of bodily waste when a person has lost the
normal function of digestive or urinary systems due to birth defects,
colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis,
and other medical conditions;
Whereas an ostomy is also necessary in cases of severe abdominal or pelvic
trauma resulting from accidents or from injuries sustained during
military service;
Whereas approximately 725,000 to 1,000,000 people in the United States have an
ostomy or continent diversion, with approximately 100,000 new ostomy
procedures performed each year;
Whereas ostomy or continent diversion surgery can occur at any age and does not
lower life expectancy;
Whereas through the efforts of ostomy support organizations, people needing
these surgeries are becoming more aware of the opportunities for
education, mutual aid, advocacy, and support that are of such great
benefit to them and their families;
Whereas the aim of National Ostomy Awareness Day is to work toward a society
where people with ostomies and intestinal or urinary diversions are
universally accepted and supported socially, economically, medically,
and psychologically;
Whereas public education and awareness is vital to ensure those who are living
with an ostomy face no discrimination and are accepted as normal,
healthy individuals;
Whereas through education and awareness we can erase the myths, stigma, and
embarrassment that are sometimes associated with having an ostomy;
Whereas there is a deep commitment to the proper care and advancement of
knowledge about bowel and urinary diversion surgery as a result of birth
defects, disease, injury, and other digestive disorders; and
Whereas to increase public acceptance of ostomy surgery and continent diversion
surgery and to remind those who have had surgery in the United States
that by raising awareness they can help the world better understand this
life-saving surgery and help people receive better ostomy care: Now,
therefore, be it:
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Ostomy
Awareness Day; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe
the day with the appropriate awareness and educational
activities.
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