WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lupita Nyong’o, the Oscar-winning actress best known for her role in 12 Years a Slave, is speaking out publicly about a deeply personal health struggle and she’s taking her story straight to Capitol Hill.
On Tuesday, Nyong’o revealed that she was diagnosed with 30 uterine fibroids in 2014 and underwent surgery to have them removed. She was just 31 years old at the time and at the height of her career, having recently won an Academy Award.
“I started talking about my experience privately, and I realised so many women are going through this,” she wrote in a post on Instagram. “We’re struggling alone with something that affects most of us. No more suffering in silence!”
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They are common but can cause serious symptoms, including heavy bleeding, painful periods, and chronic stomach pain. According to the US Office on Women’s Health, Black women are up to three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women.
Nyong’o said that when she was diagnosed, she was given only two choices: invasive surgery or living with the pain. “I envision a different future,” she said in a statement. “One with early education for teenagers, better prevention and screening protocols, and less invasive treatments.”
A Voice on Capitol Hill
This week, the Quiet Place: Day One star joined Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke to introduce a package of four bills aimed at improving uterine health.
The proposed legislation calls for increased funding for fibroid research, early screening and intervention, studies into the causes of uterine cancer, and greater public awareness.
Nyong’o’s appearance on Capitol Hill marks a rare moment where a celebrity is directly involved in shaping legislation tied to their personal experience. The bills were introduced during Fibroid Awareness Month, which takes place each July in the United States.
A Grant for Women’s Health
Alongside her advocacy, Nyong’o has also launched a research grant in partnership with the Foundation for Women’s Health. The FWH x Lupita Nyong’o Uterine Fibroid Grant will support scientific studies and research into better treatments.
“I hope to seek answers for the far too many women dealing with uterine fibroids,” Nyong’o said. “We must reject the normalisation of female pain.”
Breaking the Silence
Her message has struck a chord, especially with women who’ve long felt dismissed by the medical system. By speaking out, Nyong’o joins a growing number of high-profile voices demanding more attention to women’s reproductive health.
Her story is not just about pain it’s about policy. And on Tuesday, she made it clear that her fight is far from over.
“I’m hoping this work will lead to real change,” she said. “For all of us.”
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