[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 342 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 342

Recognizing the history of the drug diethylstilbestrol and the harm it 
                  has caused, and for other purposes.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 21, 2025

Mr. McGovern submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                  the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                               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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