The General Election is a key opportunity to make our voices heard. We want future MPs to stand up for those with endometriosis, as well as their loved ones, in Parliament. By taking action, you can help us make sure prospective MPs understand the issues facing those with endometriosis and commit to calling for change. Your voice matters, and by reaching out to your election candidates, you can help us make sure endometriosis is high up on the political agenda.
Why this matters
Our evidence clearly highlights the potentially devastating impact endometriosis can have on all aspects of someone’s life, including their physical and mental health, employment, education and relationships.
It currently takes an average of 8 years and 10 months to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK, and since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, gynaecology waiting lists have increased by over 60%: the biggest increase in any specialism. Right now in England alone, there are nearly 600,000 people on gynaecology waiting lists.
This is simply unacceptable, and why we need every election candidate to know about endometriosis and the impact it can have.
6 ways to get involved this General Election in raising awareness of endometriosis
- Simply fill out our easy email template that will trigger an email to the candidates standing for election in your local area. Don’t forget to keep it brief. Candidates will be receiving potentially thousands of emails ahead of the election and won’t have a huge amount of time to read them all.
- Make it personal: Adding your personal experience is a powerful way of highlighting the impact endometriosis has had on you or your loved one.
- Make it local: Add in any experience you’ve had of local services. This will help candidates to understand why this matters on a local and national level should they be elected to Parliament.
- Find out if your candidates are holding public meetings or hustings. If so, have a think about going along and asking a question about endometriosis.
- If an election candidate knocks on your door canvassing, ask them about endometriosis and what they will do to support those with the disease if elected
- Share our email template on social media and urge others to write to their election candidates
Ideas for questions
If you attend a hustings session or you get a knock at the door, here are some ideas of what you could ask:
- Have you heard of endometriosis?
- If elected, will you speak up for the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK?
- What will you do to support those with endometriosis?
- How will you tackle gynaecology waiting times if elected to Parliament?
What’s next?
Over the coming weeks, Endometriosis UK will be writing to election candidates and asking them to speak up for the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis if elected to Parliament.
Post election, we’ll be writing to all newly elected MPs, outlining how they can now support those with the disease in their constituency and in Parliament. We’ll be reaching out to our supporters again with ideas on how you can engage with your MP, and working with the new Government to ensure endometriosis is high up on the political agenda.
We are committed to raising awareness, driving change, and finding ways for you to work with your elected representatives to share your experiences. Keep up to date by signing up to our newsletter, social media platforms, and via our website.
We couldn’t achieve change without your support. Thanks to you lobbying candidates, sharing your experiences and calling for change, together we can make a difference for the 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth with endometriosis in the UK.
As a registered charity, Endometriosis UK are completely independent and will never promote, or be seen to promote, any political party or candidate. We follow all guidance and laws set out by the Charity Commission, and the Electoral Commission, and we understand that this is vitally important for public trust in charities. During this General Election we will continue to speak up for the legitimate interests of everyone affected by endometriosis across the UK. Endometriosis UK will promote respect, tolerance and consideration for others, reflecting our trusted standing as a charity.
