Call for Evidence: Reproductive Health in Girls & Young Women.
The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) a cross-party committee published a report in December 2024 which warned women experiencing painful reproductive health conditions such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and heavy menstrual bleeding are frequently finding their symptoms “normalised” and their pain “dismissed” when seeking help.
Pervasive stigma associated with gynaecological and urogynaecological health, a lack of education and “medical misogyny” has contributed to poor awareness of these conditions, the report concluded.
In this new inquiry, WEC will focus on the recent experiences of young women and girls, examining the extent to which the education and health systems are ensuring young women and girls know what constitutes a normal menstrual cycle and when to seek assistance for symptoms.
The Committee will explore whether girls and young women are being listened to and taken seriously by healthcare professionals and the extent to which they are receiving more effective and quicker diagnoses, and better treatment and pain management, in turn reducing any potential impact on fertility.
It will consider the impacts of the Women’s Health Strategy and introduction of Women’s Health Hubs, and potential effects of the Government’s planned reforms to the health service.
The Committee is keen to hear from anyone advocating for young women’s health, about the challenges they face, examples of good practice, and what needs to change. This is a key opportunity to help shape national policy and ensure young women’s voices are heard.
Submit evidence by 30 September 2025
