Court spotlights women's health: fibroid awareness and breastfeeding resolutions advance

Speakers and commissioners used the meeting to raise women's health issues, including fibroid awareness and lactation support.

Dr. Faith Ahuba (OB-GYN and member of the Harris County Women's Board) described long delays from diagnosis to treatment for uterine fibroids, saying the typical interval to treatment is about "3.6 years" and urging workplace policies such as menstrual leave and accommodations prior to surgery. Dr. Felicia Harris, chair of the Harris County Women's Commission, said fibroids affect a large share of women and that more research and access to care are needed.

Commissioner Briones (who led the breastfeeding resolution) noted national and local breastfeeding statistics and praised Harris County Public Health and WIC efforts: she said that "in Harris County, over 90 percent of mothers begin breastfeeding, but many are unable to continue as long as needed." Speakers asked the court to continue supporting lactation spaces, hotlines and peer-counselor programs.

Both the fibroid-awareness and breastfeeding measures were presented as resolutions; the court heard testimony from medical professionals and county public-health staff in support. Commissioners encouraged that the issues be reflected in budget and policy discussions to increase access to care.