Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

As a former GP, the Taoiseach will be aware of endometriosis. The latter is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the womb. It is a chronic, painful and debilitating disease which means that women have to put their lives on hold. It is very difficult for them to have a normal life when they are suffering with the disease. As endometriosis impacts one in ten women, the overall number affected by it is not insignificant. It can take years for women to be diagnosed. Many women are told that it is in their head and that they need to see counsellors. The Government has made some moves recently regarding the treatment of this disease. Just this week in my constituency of Wicklow, however, one woman had to crowdfund in order to have her surgery. She did not know until the day before her surgery was to happen whether she had enough money to have it. I have also been contacted by another constituent, a young woman who is suffering from this disease. The long time between appointments and the dearth of information on her condition are really impacting on her life. What can I tell these constituents who are suffering from this disease when the come to me?

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