😟 Women’s Health

Westminster Hall

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Women’s health issues were passionately debated in Parliament, with MPs highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare services. They pointed out shocking delays in diagnoses and treatments, such as endometriosis and cancer, and the dismissal of women’s pain as merely emotional or hormonal. The session underscored the economic impact of neglecting women’s health, with MPs calling for more research, better access to care, and addressing the gender health gap. The debate emphasized the necessity for systemic changes to ensure women’s health is prioritized and their voices are heard.

Summary

  • Dismissal of Women’s Pain: The session highlighted the common issue of women’s pain being frequently dismissed, misdiagnosed, or labeled as emotional or hormonal by healthcare professionals. Notable cases included Margaret McDonagh, who was dismissed by her GP before being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

  • Public Engagement: Over 800 responses were received from the public following a call for evidence, underscoring widespread concerns about the prioritization and focus on women’s health in the UK.

  • Global Health Concerns: The session acknowledged the struggles women face globally in accessing basic healthcare and reproductive rights, with references to the situation in Yemen.

  • Gynaecological Waiting Lists: The session criticized the long waiting lists for gynaecological treatment, which affect over 260,000 women in the UK, linking this issue to 14 years of Conservative government failure.

  • Research and Data Gaps: It was noted that there is a significant lack of research and data on women’s health, which contributes to the gender health gap. Examples included the higher rate of research funding for erectile dysfunction compared to premenstrual syndrome.

  • Menopause and HRT: The session discussed the increased awareness and focus on menopause and the need for better access to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), mentioning campaigners like Carolyn Harris for their efforts in this area.

  • Maternity Services: Concerns were raised about maternity services, including the need for better training and retention of midwives, and addressing the recurring errors in maternity care that lead to tragic outcomes.

  • Fertility and IVF: A postcode lottery in access to NHS-funded IVF cycles was highlighted, with calls for more equitable access and support for women undergoing fertility treatments, including a legal right to time off work.

  • Miscarriage and Bereavement Leave: The need for specific bereavement leave following a miscarriage was discussed, stressing that miscarriage should not be treated merely as a medical condition but recognized as a loss requiring time to grieve.

  • Mental Health and Stigma: The session addressed mental health issues related to women’s health, such as the stigma and shame around incontinence, advocating for better support and awareness.

  • Economic Impact: The economic cost of poor women’s health was emphasized, with estimates suggesting billions in lost productivity due to conditions like severe period pain and menopause.

  • Breast Cancer Screening: Concerns were raised about the late onset of routine breast cancer screening and the need for more awareness and early detection, particularly among younger women.

  • Pelvic Mesh Scandal: The session touched on the ongoing impact of the pelvic mesh scandal, noting the dismissal and gaslighting of affected women and the slow compensation process.

  • Government Commitments: The session noted the new Labour Government’s commitments to tackling waiting lists and improving women’s health services, including the continued operation of women’s health hubs and a focus on delivery.

  • Research and Training: Calls were made for more targeted research into women’s health issues, improved training for healthcare professionals, and a cultural shift in approaching women’s health concerns with more empathy and seriousness.

This session illustrated a wide range of challenges facing women’s health in the UK, with a mix of poignant personal stories and calls for systemic changes to improve care, access, and understanding.

Divisiveness

The session demonstrates a low level of disagreement. Most speakers, including Helena Dollimore (Lab/Co-op), Alice Macdonald (Lab/Co-op), Jim Shannon (DUP), and others, express a unified concern over the state of women’s health in the UK, highlighting similar issues such as long waiting times, misdiagnosis, and the need for better healthcare access. The overall tone is collaborative, with an emphasis on sharing experiences and calling for governmental action.

Specific instances where disagreement could be inferred are minimal and more focused on urging for different approaches to the same problem rather than opposing viewpoints: - Dr Luke Evans (Con) raises questions about the Labour Government’s commitment to women’s health hubs and their plans for expanding them, questioning if there is a potential rollback on progress. However, this is more of a critical inquiry rather than direct opposition, as he is seeking clarifications and commitments from the government. - The exchange between Wera Hobhouse (LD) and Ashley Dalton (Minister) about the mention of online harm related to eating disorders could be interpreted as a slight point of contention. However, this is resolved amicably with an offer for a meeting.

Overall, the session is characterized by a collective push for improvement in women’s health, with minor points of inquiry and clarifications but no strong oppositional stances or heated debates.