By Joseph Edelen

DOVER — The name Faith Deanna Johnson rang through the Senate chamber Thursday, as lawmakers unanimously passed legislation in honor of the late Delawarean who lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2021.

House Bill 15, led by Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst, D-Bear, and Sen. Nicole Poore, D-New Castle, requires all insurance companies in the First State to cover screening and testing for the disease if a risk factor is detected.

The scope of monitoring tests for ovarian cancer would also be expanded under the proposal, a provision lawmakers in both chambers of the General Assembly touted as a lifesaving measure for women, regardless of age.

According to 2024 projections by the American Cancer Society, approximately 19,680 women will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the United States this year, while nearly 12,740 will die from it.

After unanimous passage in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sen. Poore introduced the legislation on the Senate floor Thursday, with Ms. Johnson’s parents — Dwain Johnson and Karen Stephens-Johnson — in attendance.

“We are building the infrastructure to protect women from this disease,” Sen. Poore said during the Senate session. “This legislation does not mandate that insurance providers continue to cover routine ovarian cancer screenings for all women; it simply mandates coverage for women who are at an elevated risk when deemed clinically appropriate by their doctor.”

Throughout her life, Ms. Johnson had experienced excruciating menstrual pains, Sen. Poore explained. Despite these struggles and numerous doctor visits, she was never screened for ovarian cancer, as doctors did not consider it a possibility due to her young age.

However, following the discovery of cancerous tumors, the University of Delaware and Temple University graduate was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer at age 25. She battled the disease until her death a year later.

Ms. Johnson’s parents addressed senators Thursday, stating that their daughter’s circumstances led to many of her symptoms being ignored, but by supporting prevention and early-detection initiatives, the state can provide protective measures for all Delaware women.

“Boldly, she considered the possibility of this disease taking her life. She compelled me and my husband to keep fighting on her behalf for other young ovarian cancer patients,” Ms. Stephens-Johnson said.

“We believe she was an angel with a purpose. We’re humbled, honored and pleased that Speaker Longhurst and Sen. Nicole Poore sponsored this bill and attached our daughter’s name to it, and we pray that this saves the lives of many other women.”

During roll call on the bill, each senator prefaced their yes votes by honoring Ms. Johnson, stating her name into the public record as the legislation was approved.

Then, the Senate took a five-minute recess, as lawmakers congratulated and consoled Ms. Johnson’s parents for their efforts to protect women from experiencing the same trials as their late daughter.

Shortly after the bill was passed by the Senate, Gov. John Carney signed the measure into effect, completing the mission of Ms. Johnson’s parents by enacting the “Faith Deanna Johnson Act” into law.