Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn stated that the crisis in endometriosis care requires immediate action. She spoke at an event in Stormont attended by women affected by the condition.

Flynn serves as chair of the Women’s Health All-Party Group. She noted that one in ten women in Northern Ireland lives with endometriosis. Many receive advice that their symptoms are normal or that they must manage them.

The average time to diagnosis reaches almost ten years. This period involves pain uncertainty and disruption to daily life before treatment and support become available.

Delayed diagnosis postpones treatment and allows the condition to worsen. Flynn referred to findings published that day as evidence that progress must occur without delay.

She called for fully resourced gynaecology services quicker referral pathways and enhanced training to identify symptoms early. Flynn intends to urge the Health Minister to ensure women and girls receive timely answers treatment and appropriate care.