Anger over 'inexcusable neglect' of Mayo women with endometriosis
Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has said the neglect of women with endometriosis is inexcusable and she criticised the government for not supporting a Sinn Féin motion seeking to improve access to endometriosis care for thousands of women affected across the state.
She said: “Over recent months, Sinn Féin has held nine public meetings about endometriosis across the state and if one thing has been clear it is that endometriosis care in Ireland has abysmally failed thousands of women.
"Over recent weeks I have been contacted by constituents from Mayo who have told me heartbreaking stories not only of their battle with chronic, excruciating pain, but also the trauma of having to fight for diagnosis and 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 inspirational. That is what has driven this campaign. Endometriosis is not rare, it effects at least one in ten women in Ireland."
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.
Ninety-five per-cent of respondents were caused to miss education or work commitments; 58% of participants have suffered symptoms for more than 10 years; 49% are waiting more than 12 months for a consultation with a gynaecologist.
Added the Erris-based representative: “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.
"Sinn Féin wants 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.
"I will continue to work with the women from Mayo who have contacted me to force the government to listen to these women and their families. The damage done to women’s bodies from untreated endometriosis is horrific. It cannot be allowed to continue.
"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."