Politicians have thrown their support behind a Westminster inquiry into the challenges faced by those suffering from the chronic health condition endometriosis.
Sufferers of the condition have been urged to respond to the call for evidence.
This will see patients and healthcare practitioners share their first-hand experiences and advise the government on what steps need to be taken to ensure people with the condition get the right care at the right time.
To provide evidence to the inquiry click here
The new inquiry, led by the APPG (All Party Parliamentary Group) on Endometriosis with support from Endometriosis UK, will investigate the many challenges facing those with the health condition.
It comes following a study conducted by the BBC which highlighted the potentially devastating impact endometriosis can have – including on education, career and mental health, with around half stating they have experienced suicidal thoughts.
Chris Law: ‘More needs to be done’
Dundee West MP Chris Law, who signed a motion to raise awareness of the condition in parliament last year, is hoping to see real progress made.
He said: “I welcome the launch of this inquiry, which is an important step in not only raising awareness of endometriosis, but also in raising specific issues for those who live with the condition.
“There is a growing public understanding of the condition but it is clear that more needs to be done to help support those who live with it.
“Ongoing access to work and sick pay is just one key area that has already been raised with me by campaigners, and it is vital that people affected by this condition are treated fairly and protected from discrimination.
“I would encourage any constituents who suffer from endometriosis to take part in the inquiry and help build a greater understanding in parliament on the important ways it is affecting their everyday lives.”
Drew Hendry: ‘A concern for us all’
Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, who is one of the members of the cross-party group, said he was made aware of the “sheer impact” the condition has on people’s lives after listening to the experiences of constituents.
He said: “That women are having to endure chronic pain while trying to hold down jobs, raise families and live a full life should be a concern for us all and I fully support this inquiry into endometriosis and the effect it has on women suffering from the condition.
“I was made aware of the sheer impact this this particular condition has on people’s lives after listening to constituents with endometriosis, relay the excruciating pain they suffer, and the impact this has on their mental health and their wider family.
“As a signatory to the motion raised in parliament earlier this year and as a member of this cross-party group, I am keen to work with others to help affected women highlight their concerns and, of course, to raise awareness for the many more women who are still waiting for a diagnosis.”
Kirsty Blackman: ‘Vital that people affected are protected from workplace discrimination’
Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman said endometriosis has impacted a “significant number” of women in the UK, including a number of her own constituents.
She said: “This chronic illness effects all elements of sufferers’ lives and I am pleased to see an inquiry which highlights the many challenges facing those with endometriosis, and what steps the UK Government needs to take to turn this around.
“Although endometriosis is not defined as a disability, it is vital that people affected are protected from workplace discrimination and provided allowances for medical treatment and periods of pain.
“Often women feel unable to disclose their condition, especially to managers of the opposite sex, due to stigma and a general low awareness of endometriosis, what it is, and what support women who have it may need to be supported to stay at work.
“Improving awareness of endometriosis for both the general public and within the healthcare system is a positive first step to ensuring support is put in place for those affected.”
Andrew Bowie: ‘The right support at the right time’
Andrew Bowie, MP for Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, said it is “vital” women are given the “right support at the right time”.
He said: “All Party Parliamentary Groups are one of parliament’s greatest assets, compiling evidence and making recommendations with outstanding focus.
“They are often an important early step in bringing misunderstood or little-appreciated medical conditions to light.
“It’s vital that women with endometriosis across the UK are given the right support at the right time.
“And I would applaud any moves to give one in 10 women proper treatment, and one day a cure.”
Sir David Amess MP, who chairs the cross-party group on endometriosis, said the group is “delighted” to give women with the condition and healthcare experts the opportunity to share their first-hand experiences so that they can produce a set of recommendations for government.
He said: “The APPG is committed to raising awareness of the condition and representing the views of those affected and we urge as many people to come forward as possible to respond to the inquiry”.
“We urge all people with endometriosis to take part in the survey.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said: “This inquiry is a welcome opportunity for the government and NHS to get real about the impact of endometriosis on individuals and society, and to take it seriously.
“The inquiry provides the government with the opportunity to deliver recommendations for much needed improvements for the diagnosis, treatment and support of 1.5 million women living with the disease – and reduce the suffering of future generations.
“We urge all people with endometriosis to take part in the survey.
“This is a huge opportunity to push for real change for people affected by endometriosis and shape the way care is delivered in future.”
Inquiry timetable
The results of the survey plus evidence gathered from hearings in March will be analysed and published along with the recommendations in a report in July.
To respond to the call for evidence, visit here.
