Fianna Fáil Women's Health Policy Launch: Reaching for Equality
Published on: 14 July 2022
- Reaching for Equality is a policy proposal to future-proof women’s healthcare for the next 5 years.
- Our research has shown women don’t feel listened to or treated as active partners in their healthcare journey.
- The recommendations within this report aim to build on the progress already made in women’s healthcare with a focus on giving women more agency as they engage with healthcare in Ireland.
Fianna Fáil has today launched its Women’s Healthcare Policy which has been led by Senator Lisa Chambers.
Speaking before the launch, Senator Lisa Chambers said:
“For the past 9 months, we have heard from experts, practitioners and the lived experience of women across the country. Many told us that they do not feel listened to or taken seriously when it comes to their healthcare.
“This experience can often be exacerbated for those coming from a migrant or Traveller background, women with a disability or older women. While cost and availability can be a major barrier for women.''
Commenting on the policy document, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD said, “I welcome this important Fianna Fáil policy document which has been led by my colleague Senator Lisa Chambers.
“Women’s Health is a major priority for the Government and I’m delighted to see a very thought-provoking and ambitious policy document which has been the result of months of listening to experts, healthcare professionals and the lived experience of Irish women.”
Senator Chambers said:
“This policy focuses on key health issues that affect women throughout their life course from gynaecological and menstrual health to pregnancy, reproductive health, mental health, fertility and surrogacy to menopause supports.
“The impact of broader health issues which have a certain or disproportionate impact on women such as eating disorders, female cancers, heart health and osteoporosis are also included.
“Half of Irish women experience sexual assault or harassment, and one in five experience rape. This epidemic of sexual violence takes its toll on women’s health, and we need to address this through a public health approach to safety and violence prevention rather than solely through the criminal justice system.
“Reaching for Equality contains ambitious, deliverable and sustainable policies across women’s life course of healthcare which must be a priority for every Government going forward.”
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