Nicole Ryan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As a woman, I have experienced at first-hand the shortcomings of our medical system, as have so many female Members. One of the glaring issues is the overreliance on the contraceptive pill as a default treatment for women's health concerns. Instead of offering proper investigation, testing and a wide range of options for women, the pill is often handed out as a quick fix. Women are told to take it and see how they get on. If a woman has bleeding, she is offered the pill. It is all about the pill, not because it is the best option for us but because it is the easiest healthcare treatment.

The Minister spoke about all the supports for women that are available and are coming onstream. They cannot come fast enough. I highlight the issue of pregnancy loss and miscarriage and the lack of supports in that area. Statistically, one in four women will go through miscarriage. I stand here today as one of that number. While the process in maternity hospitals is very good, including in the excellent early pregnancy unit in Cork, after women go through that, they are left on their own. During the process, I found I received great medical advice in some places but that was not the case in others. I knew things were wrong. Had they been investigated sooner, it might not have stopped the loss but it could have helped me to deal with what was about to come my way. Three days before my 12-week scan, I miscarried. While the physical pain of going through a miscarriage is really hard, nothing could have prepared me for the emotional and mental pain I had to face over the coming weeks. It is still with me today and always will be with me. It takes three miscarriages before the problem is investigated. A woman has to go through this three times before anybody investigates any potential issues with various aspects of her health. I ask the Minister to consider that. It was not until I spoke to other women in my circle and my community that I realised they, too, had gone through miscarriages. There is stigma and shame attached to the issue. Every aspect of women's pregnancy journey must be supported, whether it is loss or aftercare.