# Women's Health
Yesterday
2nd February 2023
# pregnancy sickness
Health minister asks department and HSE to review current approach to Cariban reimbursement
Women, doctors, and pharmacists have criticised the roll out of a new scheme.
Last month
January 2023
# more red tape
Overcomplicated: Reimbursement scheme for pregnancy drug criticised by pharmacists
Irish Pharmacy Union says the new scheme is not straightforward and creates further delays.
HSE informs pharmacists about reimbursement scheme and how it will operate three days after the scheme came into operation.
IPU says requiring patients to get a consultant prescription creates needless access inequalities where women do not have access to consultants.
The drug Cariban can cost women up to €3,000 over the course of a pregnancy.
Last year
2022
# budget 2023
Cariban: Drug to help women who suffer severe pregnancy sickness to be available by January
Cariban is prescribed and available in the Coombe, Rotunda and Holles Street maternity hospitals and has been for many years.
# Women's Health
Health Minister says testimony included in HSE abortion report is 'heartbreaking'
The research found that current abortion legislation does not meet the needs of those seeking termination for foetal anomalies.
# Women's Health
Spanish cabinet approves paid 'menstrual leave'
Equality Minister Irene Montero said the law will recognise a health problem that has been largely swept under the carpet until now.
# Elm Park
Taoiseach denies 'sham' debate and says arguments against NMH move to St Vincent's 'didn't hold up'
Despite calls for a further delay, the plan was approved by Cabinet this morning.
The plan was approved by Cabinet this morning and described by Minister Stephen Donnelly as 'a milestone'.
Members of the Oireachtas Health Committee had asked for a further delay in Cabinet approval, saying more consultation was required.
One member, Róisín Shortall of the SocDems, called the last two weeks of debate "a sham and a charade".
# Roe v Wade
‘Draft opinion’ on US abortion rights authentic document but not a final decision - chief justice
The draft opinion would allow individual states to more heavily regulate or outright ban abortion.
# Explainer
Roe v Wade: What you need to know about the 1973 case that enshrined US abortion rights
Jane Roe – a pseudonym for Norma McCorvey – sued the Dallas Attorney General, Henry Wade.
# Women's Health
Stephen Donnelly confirms opening of two additional specialist menopause clinics
A total of six menopause clinics will be rolled out nationwide this year.
# hyperemesis gravidarum
Govt one step closer to giving severe illness during pregnancy drug free of charge
U-turn on calling Cariban a food supplement as HPRA says such classification is not appropriate.
Minister 'hopeful' positive outcome can be reached to help women with severe pregnancy sickness
No decision has been reached at Government level as to how the State might subsidise the cost of the drug, Cariban.
# HPV vaccine
NIAC asked to advise on HPV vaccine catch-up programme for those who missed out in past 2 years
The Health Minister has asked the advisory group about a catch-up rollout for secondary students have missed out on the vaccine due to the pandemic.
# cariban
HSE looking into whether 'special arrangement' possible for access to severe pregnancy sickness drug
Irish Pharmacy Union has said exceptional arrangements to fund the drug in individual cases should be put in place.
# Crisis Pregnancy
'Frightening' language and no abortion information: Warning issued over rogue pregnancy services
Women who have inadvertently engaged with these groups have found the experience “extremely distressing”.
A number of unregulated crisis pregnancy services present themselves as unbiased but have an anti-abortion stance
The HSE said such services may try to frighten women and refuse to give them information about abortion services
Women who have inadvertently engaged with these groups have found the experience "extremely distressing", Órla Ryan reports
All time
Voices
Physio: Fixing a wee problem - before, during and after menopause
On World Menopause Day, Chartered Physiotherapist Aoife Ni Eochaidh says practice is key to fixing any pelvic issues.
# Women's Health
Free contraception to be made available for young women
Two GP appointments per year relating to contraception will also be free.
# women's health taskforce
Women feel doctors 'normalise' loss of pregnancy, and first-time mothers 'not listened to', report finds
Over 270 women aged 18 to 80 participated in discussions for a report commissioned by a Department of Health taskforce.
# menopause
Donnelly announces establishment of Ireland's first centre for menopause
The centre will be located at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.
Voices
Opinion: Nutrition can empower women through menopause alongside medicine
Nutritional therapist Jackie Lynch explains how diet and particularly sugar balance can help women cope with the changes of menopause.
# Elm Park
'Nothing signed off' yet on new National Maternity Hospital, says Taoiseach
The Taoiseach says it has always been his view that any new hospital should be owned by the public.
# Rocky
'She is so inspirational' - Praise for Roscommon footballer on speaking out about cervical cancer battle
Jenny Higgins has paid tribute to her team-mate for her bravery in speaking openly about her diagnosis.
# Women's Health
Call for national awareness campaign on menopause after 'incredibly important' Liveline discussion
The Taoiseach said he supported the call and that the government “will act on driving on a progressive health policy for women’s health”.
# women's healthcare
Health minister announces 'see-and-treat' gynaecology services and 'advanced' endometriosis centre
These two health policies are recommendations from the Women’s Health Taskforce, established by the Department of Health in September 2019.
Voices
Dr Deirdre Forde: Untreated menopause can be seismic for a woman, but help is at hand
The GP specialises in menopause and is urging women suffering to seek advice and assistance.
# letters to harris
'Second class citizens': Harris warned of the impact endometriosis is having on women's health
More than a dozen women told Harris of the devastating impact the condition has had on their lives.
# Women's Health
'Wombs, periods, they're taboo subjects': Patients appeal to TDs and Senators for endometriosis support
Women have been advocating for change in this area and to support the 155,000 women who suffer from it.
# Women's Health
Peter Boylan: 'Online abuse didn't bother me - I wasn't going to resign'
The obstetrician has written about his career in a new memoir.
# free contraception
No money in next year's budget for free contraception, committee heard
A recent report recommends that free contraception rollout should target young women first.
# Women's Health
'I just felt like I don't matter': Women forced to travel to Romania for endometriosis treatment
Women who suffer with the chronic disease report feeling suicidal and helpless.
# Women's Health
'A lot of doctors fail to recognise it': Calls for government to review treatment of endometriosis
The condition is caused by abnormal cell growth outside the uterus and causes severe pain for women suffering with it.
# Women's Health
Minister sets up period poverty committee: 'Menstruation is not a choice'
The health minister said women are facing significant costs paying for sanitary products.
# next gen
Senior-capped Beibhinn Parsons leads Ireland U18 7s at World Games
This year marks the fifth edition of the multi-sport event in Paris.
# vaginal mesh
FDA orders medical device companies to stop selling pelvic mesh
The FDA said it couldn’t assure women that these devices were safe and effective longterm.
# Maternity services
HSE apologises to women callers to Joe Duffy's Liveline who shared their traumatic childbirth experiences
Over the last fortnight, many women have taken to the national airwaves to share their stories of childbirth.
# Women's Health
'It would be foolhardy to say there is no risk': HSE reveals 78,000 slides left in CervicalCheck backlog
The HSE will tell the Health Committee about the backlog latest today.
# hidden agenda
HSE warning over 'my options' unplanned pregnancy websites with anti-abortion message
The HSE’s official site My Options serves as a first point of contact for women dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
# Abortion legislation
TDs want women seeking abortions to be offered ultrasound imaging and heartbeat recording
A number of TDs have put down amendments ahead of the three-day discussion of the proposed abortion legislation next week.
# Women's Health
Concerns raised over morning sickness medication being sold to women online
There have been calls for the drug, which can cost up to €3,000, to be made available to women with a medical card.
Voices
Column: 'Men need to treat their bodies in a similar way as to how they treat their cars'
Prostate cancer accounts for over 30% of all male cancers but there is no national screening programme, writes Peter Gunning.
# mesh survivors
Health Minister cancels meeting with women who suffered vaginal mesh complications
His office said the cancellation was due to “urgent other work commitments” and has been rescheduled for next month.
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