"No one should be forced to fight to be believed," says Longford-Westmeath TD
Sorca Clarke advocates for end of neglect for women with endometriosis and asks for government to support motion
Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke has said that we must urgently end the neglect of women with endometriosis and called for the government to support Sinn Féin’s Dáil motion seeking to improve access to endometriosis care for thousands of women affected across the state.
The motion which will be moved today, Tuesday, July 15, follows a series of public meetings hosted by Uachtarán Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald with those impacted by endometriosis across the state.
Teachta Clarke said:
“Over the last number of months, we have held nine public meetings about endometriosis across the state and if one thing has been clear it is that endometriosis care in Ireland has failed thousands of women.
“Time and time again we have heard heartbreaking stories from women who have not only had to battle living with chronic, excruciating pain, but have also had endure the trauma of having to fight for a diagnosis in the first place, and then for adequate treatment.
“This is not good enough. No one should be forced to fight to be believed, to be diagnosed and to receive the treatment they need. This should not be happening in 2025.
“The bravery and strength of these women, alongside the experiences of their family and friends, and their commitment to fight for the care they need and deserve has been an inspiration to us. That is what has driven this campaign.
“Endometriosis is not rare, it effects at least one in ten women in Ireland, with recent global research suggesting that nearly one in six may have symptoms indicative of endometriosis.
“Sinn Féin conducted an online survey over recent weeks in which we received 1,420 responses and over 700 personal stories of delayed diagnosis, suffering and trauma. 95% of participants missed education or work commitments due to symptoms; 58% of participants have suffered symptoms for more than 10 years; 49% waiting more than 12 months for a consultation with a gynaecologist.
“The ongoing neglect of endometriosis care in Ireland is emblematic of broader systemic failures in women’s healthcare, and the response from government has been a disjointed stopgap approach with women being prescribed outdated treatments that only prolong their suffering.
“This is exemplified by the fact that it currently takes an average of nine years for patients to receive a formal diagnosis, resulting in prolonged suffering, permanent organ damage, and increased risk of infertility.
“The reason we don’t hear about it enough is because women often feel they have no option but to suffer in silence. This is now changing as courageous women step forward to share their stories and demand change and action from government.
“Sinn Féin’s motion calls for a dedicated multidisciplinary endometriosis treatment centre, staffed and resourced to provide diagnosis, holistic management, and specialised excision surgery – the gold standard surgical management for this agonising condition.
“Our message to women across Ireland living the nightmare of endometriosis is that you are not alone. We will fight with you and for you. We will keep this campaign going until you have the treatment, services and healthcare you deserve here in Ireland.”
“We are calling on all parties to back this motion when it comes before the Dáil. Women deserve better.”