We are deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman David Scott (1956–2026), a tireless advocate for women's health, research, and recognition, and one of endometriosis awareness's earliest and most dedicated champions on Capitol Hill.
For more than a decade, Congressman Scott helped elevate this disease in the halls of Congress, bringing long-overdue attention to the millions of patients who suffer in silence. His leadership continued until the very end. Just days before his passing, he joined Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Nikema Williams (who serves as Co-Chair of the House Endometriosis Caucus), and Dan Crenshaw to introduce a bipartisan resolution that would increase education, awareness, and recognition of endometriosis. In particular, this resolution calls for recognition of March as Endometriosis Awareness Month, earlier diagnosis and access to care, increased education for healthcare providers, and continued investment in research.
Congressman Scott had been working towards these changes in endometriosis advocacy for many years. In his own words: "Lack of public awareness and educational research have contributed to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis for millions of women…"
The urgency behind those words is reflected in the data. Endometriosis affects more than 1 in 10 people born with a uterus in the United States, and 200 million people worldwide. Up to 50% of those with endometriosis experience infertility. Despite this, federal research funding remains critically low.
"As someone living with endometriosis and working to advance awareness and research on Capitol Hill, I am deeply grateful for the doors [Congressman Scott] helped open," Alexis Roderick Joel, EndoFound's Chair of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, shares. "While I did not have the opportunity to know Congressman Scott personally, his leadership created space for advocates like me to be heard. His commitment to this community made a lasting impact, and we will continue to build on that foundation."
Dr. Tamer Seckin, endometriosis excision surgeon and CoFounder of EndoFound, agrees. "Congressman Scott and those of us in the medical and advocacy communities shared a clear vision: bringing endometriosis out of the shadows through greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, and sustained research investment. His leadership on Capitol Hill helped move that vision forward nationally, and we are deeply grateful for his lasting impact."
In his honor, we continue the work. Together, we will advance awareness, accelerate research, and fight for a future where no patient suffers in silence.
Thank you, Congressman Scott. Your impact will not be forgotten.
