A Reform Jersey politician has called on the Government to consider introducing paid menstrual leave for people with endometriosis after sharing her own struggle with the “often invisible but deeply life-altering” condition.
Pointing to new legislation in Portugal where endometriosis and adenomyosis sufferers are granted up to three days of paid leave per month, Deputy Carina Alves said Jersey should consider whether a similar policy could be introduced locally.
In a statement on social media, she said: “Portugal’s new policy on menstrual leave is a progressive example of how governments can recognise the real impact of conditions like endometriosis.
“I believe it’s worth exploring whether a similar approach could be adapted to meet the needs of women here, and I look forward to discussing this further with colleagues.”
Deputy Alves’s comments follow a film screening and panel event hosted by campaign group Endometriosis Jersey at the Arts Centre last week.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the condition and the challenges in getting a diagnosis and care.
Discussion focused on health inequalities, limited specialist services and a lack of clinical awareness of reproductive conditions – with attendees calling on the Government to reinstate the women’s health strategy and improve access to diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis.
Sharing her own journey with endometriosis on social media, Deputy Alves said she was diagnosed at 19 and had undergone several procedures in an attempt to manage her symptoms.
“One of them was successful in alleviating my symptoms, and I thought I had been cured,” she explained.
“I could finally stop hiding my pain, making up excuses for missing work or events, and function normally – only to have the symptoms return two years later.”
Deputy Alves also spoke about recently supporting a young constituent who had been hospitalised in “excruciating” pain.
“I visited and stayed with her for hours over the weekend, and felt disappointed and frustrated that – even now – her pain was not being taken as seriously as both she and I felt it should,” she added.
Reflecting on the documentary Below the Belt, which was screened at the Endometriosis Jersey event last week, the politician said: “I wish something like this had been available to show my family, friends, and colleagues what it is like to live with this condition when I was younger.”
She added: “My experience isn’t unique – too many women suffer in silence, unheard or dismissed.
“We need to ensure that women’s health is taken as seriously as any other medical issue and given the focus it deserves. That women’s pain is not dismissed or downplayed. That we listen and act.”