Bill Summary
This resolution recognizes the harmful history of diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen that was widely prescribed to pregnant women from the early 1940s until its ban in 1971. DES was intended to prevent miscarriages but has been linked to serious health issues, including rare cancers in women exposed in utero, known as "DES Daughters," as well as fertility complications and other health challenges. The resolution calls for the designation of a week (April 20-26, 2025) as "DES Awareness Week" to highlight these issues, expresses support for ongoing research funding related to DES, and urges the FDA to formally apologize to the affected families for the drug's harmful effects.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution regarding diethylstilbestrol (DES) could affect people:
1. **Increased Awareness and Support for Affected Individuals**: By designating a specific week as "DES Awareness Week," the resolution aims to raise public awareness about the harms caused by DES. This could lead to greater understanding and support for individuals known as "DES Daughters" and other affected populations, including their families. Increased awareness might also encourage community and healthcare systems to provide better support and resources for those suffering from health complications linked to DES exposure.
2. **Encouragement for Continued Research and Funding**: The resolution supports the restoration of funding for the DES Follow-Up Study. This could lead to more comprehensive research on the long-term effects of DES exposure, potentially uncovering new insights into related health risks. As a result, healthcare providers could improve care and treatment options for those affected, leading to better health outcomes and a more informed approach to managing DES-related health issues.
3. **Potential Accountability and Reconciliation**: The resolution urges the FDA to issue a formal apology to families impacted by DES. If this apology is granted, it would serve as a recognition of the harm caused by the drug and could provide some sense of closure or validation for those affected. It might also set a precedent for accountability in pharmaceutical regulation and patient safety, fostering trust between the public and healthcare authorities, which could lead to more cautious prescribing practices in the future.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 342 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 342
Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it
has caused, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 21, 2025
Mr. McGovern submitted the following resolution; which was referred to
the Committee on Energy and Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it
has caused, and for other purposes.
Whereas diethylstilbestrol (``DES'') is a toxic and carcinogenic estrogen and
endocrine disrupter;
Whereas the Food and Drug Administration (``FDA'') approved DES in the early
1940s;
Whereas DES was widely prescribed, with the intention of preventing miscarriage,
to between five and ten million pregnant women in the United States
until 1971;
Whereas DES exposure in utero was linked to the development of rare cancers of
the vagina and cervix called clear cell adenocarcinoma in female
children, commonly referred to as ``DES Daughters'';
Whereas the FDA banned the use of DES during pregnancy in the United States in
1971;
Whereas DES exposure in utero has since been linked to increased fertility and
pregnancy complications and other physical and mental health challenges;
Whereas the FDA has acknowledged the harm caused by DES but has yet to apologize
to the families of those impacted by its prolonged use; and
Whereas April 20 through 26, 2025, would be an appropriate week to designate as
``DES Awareness Week'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) expresses support for the designation of ``DES
Awareness Week'';
(2) recognizes the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol
and the harm it has caused;
(3) supports the restoration of funding for the DES Follow-
Up Study; and
(4) urges the Food and Drug Administration to issue a
formal apology to families impacted by diethylstilbestrol.
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