SW women set to receive increased endometriosis care following over $139 million in Federal Budget support

South West women living with endometriosis and severe pelvic-related pain are soon to receive improved access to diagnosis support and treatment following more than $139 million in Federal funding. As part of the 2022 to 2023 Budget, the Morrison Government has announced a $58m in funding under the National Action Plan for Endometriosis which will see increased specialised endometriosis and pelvic pain care throughout the country. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, and causing profound lifestyle, health and social impacts on one in every nine Australian women. The improved care includes $16.4m towards developing specialised endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics in each State and Territory incorporating doctors, allied health professionals and nurses to assist in navigating the health system and $25.2m new Medicare funded magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for women with severe conditions that affect fertility. The grant will see further support to couples planning for pregnancy through $81.2m in a newly established Medicare item providing rebates to to genetic testing for three serious genetic conditions. Genetic testing can assist families who are planning for their pregnancy and may be at risk of passing on significant genetic conditions, to understand and assess their risk and to plan their pregnancy appropriately. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the investment will address the need for more endometriosis awareness. “One in nine Australian women suffer from endometriosis and this funding today will bring welcome relief and support through better diagnosis, treatment and care,” the Prime Minister said. “I have seen firsthand with Jen just how debilitating endometriosis can be for women, the mental and physical toll it takes, and it’s so important we continue to fund new services and treatments for the hundreds of thousands of women who suffer from endometriosis. “Our plan will improve the quality of life for women living with endometriosis, with record support, building on our National Action Plan for Endometriosis, so women of all ages can get diagnosed and be supported.” Federal Member for Forrest Nola Marino said she is pleased to see the funding be provided after working hard to make the condition recognised. “Our Government was the first government to acknowledge and recognise endometriosis and the impacts it has on around 800,000 women and girls across Australia,” she said. “I have been advocating for women living with endometriosis as an Endo Ambassador, working closely with Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt, my colleagues, and through the Parliamentary Friends of Endometriosis Awareness.”