Several female MPs, including prominent federal ministers Tanya Plibersek and Linda Burney, wore yellow in parliament today in a bid to raise awareness for endometriosis.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and the #MarchIntoYellow campaign encourages people to wear yellow to show support for those who suffer from endometriosis and to spark new conversations about the condition.
Politicians from across the political aisle, including the vast majority of female MPs, wore yellow in Question Time on Thursday. They included Labor’s Ged Kearney, Sally Sitou, Alicia Payne, the Coalition’s Karen Andrews, Melissa McIntosh and Nola Marino, and independents Zoe Daniel, Sophie Scamps and Dai Le. Many male MPs also wore yellow ties.
Endometriosis is a common disease affecting nearly 1 million Australian girls, women and non-binary people. It is an inflammatory disease where endometrial-like tissue is present outside the uterus, often causing debilitating pain for those who suffer from it. It is associated with pelvic pain, infertility, fatigue, and poor mental health.
It takes on average six and a half years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis, according to Endometriosis Australia, with many women reporting negative experiences in the healthcare system.
Last year, government research found that one in seven women in their late 40s have endometriosis, while the rate of hospitalisation for endometriosis has doubled among females aged 20-24 in the past decade.
It comes as a new, landmark inquiry into endometriosis was approved by the South Australian parliament. Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson successfully moved a motion on Thursday to set up a parliamentary inquiry to examine the prevalence and effects of endometriosis on South Australian women.
“This Parliamentary Select Committee into Endometriosis will inquire into what needs to be done in terms of research, treatment and ongoing care with the aim of improving outcomes for those impacted,” Hutchesson said.
“I’d like to thank prominent South Australian advocate Deanna Wallis for being so open about her struggle and all of those who suffer from this crippling disease. I am proud to put your plight into the spotlight to achieve better outcomes for everyone impacted.”
Australia currently has a National Action Plan for Endometriosis, which was launched in 2018 by the Morrison government. It recognised there was a growing need for improved awareness, education, diagnosis, treatment and research into endometriosis and associated chronic pelvic pain.
Just recently, the Queensland government announced its first-ever Women and Girls’ Health Strategy, that included committing more money into pelvic pain and endometriosis treatment, and more money into specialist clinical care. The state’s Health Minister Shannon Fentiman committed $18.2 million over five years for new endometriosis and pelvic pain initiatives.