Landmark Endometriosis Report Delivered
A landmark inquiry examining the debilitating impact of endometriosis and how to improve treatments and supports for women has delivered its report to State Parliament.
The Parliamentary Select Committee into Endometriosis, chaired by Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson, tabled its report in State Parliament yesterday, making 20 recommendations centred around improving the lives of women living with this painful condition.
The State Government has accepted all recommendations in principle and will now set to work providing a comprehensive response to the report and recommendations made.
It’s estimated as many as one in every seven South Australian women will experience endometriosis, which can result in hospitalisations.
Endometriosis occurs when body tissue that is similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside the uterus in other parts of the body, usually in the pelvis and can cause organs to stick together.
It can cause inflammation, severe pain, infertility and have a significant impact on quality of life. It’s a progressive and chronic condition, meaning it gets worse over time.
The committee explored for the first time how widespread endometriosis is in the South Australian community, and the barriers women face in gaining access to treatment.
It also examined the current treatment and supports available, how education and awareness can be improved and how employers can best support women with the condition.
The inquiry, established a year ago, heard evidence from 74 individuals and received 85 submissions from stakeholders, including women with the condition, their families, health professionals, medical associations and academics.
It found:
The Committee’s 20 recommendations centre around:
Many women will take years to receive a diagnosis after having their pain routinely dismissed or overlooked by medical professionals.
Women usually are diagnosed after receiving a referral via their GP to specialist services, with the severity of their condition only fully known after surgery.
The State Government commends the Federal Albanese Labor Government for its recent announcement it will fund 11 more Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics, bringing the total number to 33 clinics nationwide. In addition, the endometriosis treatment, Ryeqo, will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from May.
From July, women suffering endometriosis and other complex gynaecological conditions will also have access to longer specialist consultations, of 45 minutes or more, covered under Medicare.
The inquiry’s report can be viewed here.
As put by Chris Picton
Women have been suffering, often in silence, for too long from endometriosis.
This painful and debilitating condition can affect all areas of women’s lives including fertility, their work and education and their physical and mental health.
I thank Catherine Hutchesson and the committee for shining a light on this important issue. Their report will help shape improvements in education, care and supports for many women in our community suffering from endometriosis.
As put by Katrine Hildyard
This landmark inquiry has given voice to the experiences of women who for too long have suffered in silence and been dismissed.
It is absolutely time for change. For women across South Australia who deserve better care, greater understanding and improved quality of life, we will work to implement these recommendations.
An enormous thank you to Catherine Hutchesson for her leadership of this inquiry; it will help to change women’s lives.
As put by Catherine Hutchesson
This is a proud day for me, our Parliament and the thousands of South Australian women affected by endometriosis.
Endometriosis is often misunderstood. It’s much more than bad cramps and heavy periods. The symptoms are invisible, yet they cause intense physical pain, emotional distress and can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life.
We heard from many brave women who suffer in silence and I thank them for coming forward to share their stories.
South Australia is on the forefront of research into endometriosis and this report shows our commitment to continuing this work. I hope our report creates more awareness of this painful and widespread condition and results in better care and supports for those impacted.
As put by endometriosis advocate and Wallis Cinema Director, Deanna Flynn Wallis
Endometriosis has cost me so much including my quality of life and the ability to one day carry my own child.
This condition has taken an enormous emotional and physical toll on me since I first started experiencing symptoms at age 13. I’m not alone. And I don’t want any girl or woman to continue suffering in silence.
This is an epidemic and a crisis which has to be addressed. We desperately need more education and more support. I’m grateful for this report and that the Government is listening and really willing to improve education, care and supports for the many endometriosis warriors in our community.