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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, According to estimates of the Texas Cancer Registry, |
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approximately 7,800 Texans between the ages of 15 and 39 will be |
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diagnosed with cancer in 2023; and |
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WHEREAS, Although cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, |
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radiation, and surgery can effectively treat many types of cancer, |
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they carry the risk of directly or indirectly causing medically |
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induced infertility; and |
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WHEREAS, Infertility, more than merely a medical |
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complication, is a life-altering experience for patients of |
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reproductive age, and thus, every effort should be made to try to |
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preserve a patient's fertility; and |
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WHEREAS, After being diagnosed with cancer, patients often |
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have only a short window of time to obtain the resources necessary |
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to help protect fertility before beginning potentially sterilizing |
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cancer treatment, making it critical that they are informed of and |
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provided access to the options that are available; and |
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WHEREAS, Ensuring that cancer patients have access to |
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fertility preservation options before treatment has long been |
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considered the standard of care by relevant national medical |
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authorities, including the American Society for Reproductive |
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Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the |
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American Medical Association; and |
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WHEREAS, The five-year survival rate for individuals |
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diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 39 is over 85 |
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percent; these patients are expected to live long, full lives, and |
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they deserve the same freedom of choice enjoyed by their peers; and |
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WHEREAS, On February 28, 2023, a group of patients, family |
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members, physicians, and patient advocates are meeting with |
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legislators to discuss important issues related to fertility |
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preservation for cancer patients, and these individuals are to be |
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commended for bringing attention to a cause of tremendous |
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importance to many Texans; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 2023, as Texans |
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Protecting Parenthood After Cancer Legislative Advocacy Day, |
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extend a warm welcome to those who are visiting Austin to take part |
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in this event, and urge all Texans to learn more about the issue of |
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fertility preservation for cancer patients. |