Bill Text: NY K00091 | 2025-2026 | General Assembly | Introduced

---

Bill Title: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025, as Turner Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Passed) 2025-02-05 - adopted [K00091 Detail]

Download: New_York-2025-K00091-Introduced.html

---

Assembly Resolution No. 91

BY: M. of A. Schiavoni

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        February 2025, as Turner Syndrome Awareness Month in
        the State of New York

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of  this  Legislative  Body  to  recognize
official  months  that  are  set  aside to increase awareness of serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully  in  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2025,  as  Turner
Syndrome  Awareness  Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Turner Syndrome Awareness Month; and

  WHEREAS, Turner Syndrome is the second most common genetic disorder,
affecting 1 in 2,000 females; over 1,000 baby girls are  born  with  the
Syndrome annually; and

  WHEREAS,  Discovered in 1938 by Dr. Henry Turner, Turner Syndrome is
a genetic condition that can only affect people born female; instead  of
the  usual  46  chromosomes  a  person  is  born with, those with Turner
Syndrome have cells that are missing all or part of an X chromosome; and

  WHEREAS, In about half of all individuals with Turner Syndrome,  the
affected  female  has  only  one  X  chromosome;  others  may have two X
chromosomes, but one is incomplete; sometimes a female  has  some  cells
with two X chromosomes, but other cells have only one; and

  WHEREAS,  Most fetuses (98-99%) with Turner Syndrome will die before
birth, and the genetic disorder is  contributed  to  about  10%  of  all
first-trimester miscarriages; and

  WHEREAS,  More  than 30% of individuals with Turner Syndrome are not
diagnosed until they are 15 years old, and only  3.5%  receive  adequate
care;  with  increased  awareness,  the  lives  of those affected can be
drastically improved; and

  WHEREAS, In 2025, there are  over  85,337  individuals  living  with
Turner   Syndrome  in  the  United  States;  it  is  estimated  that  an
approximate 5,028 women in New York State have the genetic disorder; and

  WHEREAS, Ultimately,  the  specific  cause  of  Turner  Syndrome  is
unknown  because  the  gene  on the X chromosome that is responsible for
most of the  features  of  the  chromosomal  disorder  is  undetermined;
however, researchers have been able to identify the gene responsible for
short  stature  and  skeletal  abnormalities,  which  is  the SHOX gene,
important for bone development and growth; and

  WHEREAS, The signs of Turner Syndrome should be  detected  during  a
girl's  first  few  years  of  life  for  the best possible outcomes for
treatment; a variety of signs allude to the possibility of an individual
having this  condition,  such  as  a  short  stature  and  frequent  ear

infections,  which should signal the need for diagnostic testing for the
disorder; and

  WHEREAS,  There are many health concerns associated with a diagnosis
of  Turner  Syndrome,  including:   potentially   fatal   cardiovascular
diseases;  reduced  cognitive function; educational issues consisting of
difficulty with visual spatial tasks,  memory,  attention,  as  well  as
other  learning disabilities; risk of ovarian failure; type II diabetes;
hyporthyroidism;   psychological   issues    like    low    self-esteem,
predisposition   to   age-specific   problems,   isolation,  depression;
pregnancy complications; and  hearing  issues,  along  with  many  other
complications; and

  WHEREAS,  Symptoms  that  are  prevalent  among  females with Turner
Syndrome often go untreated because  of  lack  of  education  about  the
signs,  symptoms  and  possible treatments to improve overall quality of
life outcomes;  by  spreading  awareness  about  this  condition,  those
affected  by Turner Syndrome may be treated earlier to produce long-term
positive outcomes for the patient; and

  WHEREAS, Founded in 2008, the Turner  Syndrome  Foundation  supports
research  initiatives and facilitates educational programs that increase
professional awareness and enhance medical care  of  those  affected  by
Turner Syndrome; and

  WHEREAS,  It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health issue, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 2024, as Turner
Syndrome Awareness Month in the State of New York, in  conjunction  with
National Turner Syndrome Awareness Month; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York, and the Turner Syndrome Foundation.