Commitment to better care for endo ‘epidemic’
The state government has accepted all recommendations from a landmark inquiry into the impact of endometriosis in South Australia.
The Parliamentary Select Committee into Endometriosis made 20 recommendations to improve the lives of people living with the condition, which affects one in every seven Australian women.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (called endometrium) grows outside the uterus in other parts of the body. It can cause organs to stick together and result in hospitalisation.
The main outcome the committee want is to reduce the time taken to diagnose endometriosis and to improve health outcomes for individuals with chronic condition.
Endometriosis advocate and Wallis Cinema Director, Deanna Flynn Wallis said endometriosis is an “epidemic and a crisis which has to be addressed”.
“We desperately need more education and more support. I’m grateful for this report and that the Government is listening and really willing to improve education, care and supports for the many endometriosis warriors in our community,” she said.
The report, tabled in parliament yesterday, recommended:
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- Better training for health professionals, in particular GPs as the first port of call, to identify and treat endometriosis
- Improving care pathways so women have more options than attending emergency departments
- Better access to care, including multidisciplinary care and access to care in the regions
- Improved education among GPs and gynaecologists regarding Medicare rebates for relevant endometriosis-related services
- Increasing research and awareness of endometriosis
The recommendations call upon SA Health, local health networks, the state government and the federal government to achieve these outcomes.
The state government has accepted all 20 recommendations in principle and will provide a comprehensive response to the report.
Member for Waite Catherine Hutchesson chaired the committee and said she hopes their report “creates more awareness of this painful and widespread condition and results in better care and supports for those impacted”.
“Endometriosis is often misunderstood. It’s much more than bad cramps and heavy periods. The symptoms are invisible, yet they cause intense physical pain, emotional distress and can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life,” she said
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“We heard from many brave women who suffer in silence and I thank them for coming forward to share their stories.”
Nationally, the Albanese Labor Government recently announced it will fund 11 more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, making a total of 33 clinics nationwide.
Endometriosis treatment, Ryeqo, will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from May and from July, sufferers of endometriosis and other complex gynaecological conditions will have access to longer specialist consultations, of 45 minutes or more, covered under Medicare.
There are two federal government-funded dedicated endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics currently in SA. One is Thrive Family Practice in Glenelg, and the other is Kadina Medical Associates. This picture: Thrive Family Practice/via Google Maps
Diagnosing endometriosis is usually only done after a referral from a GP to specialist services, and the severity of an endometriosis case can only be fully known after surgery. The report found diagnosis often takes years as medical professionals dismiss or overlook women’s pain.
Widespread impacts of the chronic condition including infertility can limit career prospects, education and physical activity as well as affect mental health and emotional well-being.
“Endometriosis has cost me so much including my quality of life and the ability to one day carry my own child,” Wallis said.
“This condition has taken an enormous emotional and physical toll on me since I first started experiencing symptoms at age 13. I’m not alone. And I don’t want any girl or woman to continue suffering in silence.”
Wallis was awarded the 2025 Mount Barker Council’s Young Citizen of the Year Award for her advocacy in the areas of fundraising, environment and mental health. This picture: Mount Barker Council.
Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard said the inquiry has “given voice to the experiences of women who for too long have suffered in silence and been dismissed”.
“It is absolutely time for change. For women across South Australia who deserve better care, greater understanding and improved quality of life, we will work to implement these recommendations,” she said.
Health Minister Chris Picton said “women have been suffering, often in silence, for too long from endometriosis”.
“I thank Catherine Hutchesson and the committee for shining a light on this important issue. Their report will help shape improvements in education, care and support for many women in our community suffering from endometriosis.”
