New legislation that will support women experiencing menopause has progressed through Parliament with the support of Borders MP, John Lamont.
The Menopause (Support and Services) Bill, introduced by Labour MP Carolyn Harris, has garnered cross party support.
The Bill, if successful, will require the government to produce a UK wide cross-government strategy on menopause support and services provided to women.
This would examine matters such as education for young people about the menopause, training for GPs on diagnosis and treatment, the development of workplace policies to support women to work through the menopause, and the promotion of peer support groups for those affected.
The Bill will also exempt hormone replacement therapy from NHS prescription charges in England. It is already free in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 8 in 10 women will experience symptoms of menopause at some point, typically lasting for four years but can be up to twelve years.
Local MP, John Lamont, supported the Bill in the House of Commons, and met up with prominent campaigner, Davina McCall, to discuss the issue afterwards.
John Lamont MP said:
“Menopausal symptoms affect almost every woman at some point in their life so I was glad to support this Bill which I hope will make a difference right across the UK.
“I think better education for young people, and men in particular, will help recognise how serious the menopause can be. Thousands of women are hospitalised every year due to conditions associated with the menopause.
“There are still a few parliamentary hurdles before this becomes law, but I am confident that it will be successful.
“My thanks to Labour’s Carolyn Harris MP for her Private Members’ Bill showing that cross party working can be productive when it comes to important issues like this.
“Davina McCall has also campaigned very hard for better support for women experiencing menopause and I was delighted to be able to meet her in Parliament.”
