The menopause
From petitions and parliamentary debates to Government action
In October 2021, the Government announced new policies related to menopause support, including changes to prescription charges and the establishment of a new menopause taskforce.
Earlier that year, several e-petitions about the menopause were started on the Parliament website. They covered issues like the costs of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the lack of menopause policies in workplaces, and improving training for healthcare professionals.
Each petition had under 10,000 signatures. However, MPs were still keen to raise the issues in Parliament and to bring the public into the process.
Here, we tell the story of several women who signed petitions, made their voices heard in parliamentary debates, and the recent commitments made by the Government on this issue.
Westminster Hall debate
9 June 2021
On 9 June, Carolyn Harris MP led a Westminster Hall debate on support for menopausal symptoms. In preparation for the debate, she wanted to hear the public's stories and insights.
Those who had signed relevant petitions were invited to share their experiences of support services, and suggest ideas for improvement.
There were over 700 contributors, several of whom were quoted directly in the debate.
"I have been peri-menopausal for many years, and have spent so much money on prescriptions – it’s unreal trying to find something that can help me (and I’m still trying!).
"I decided to sign a petition which a Facebook friend shared with me, and was then invited to fill in a survey for this debate on menopause support.
"I was very shocked but excited that my experience had been quoted in the debate by Carolyn Harris, and have told my family and friends about it!"
Watch the full debate
You can also read the debate transcript on Hansard.
Read our full story about how the public contributed to this debate: Menopausal symptoms: support.
"I decided to fill in the survey because it was totally pertinent to my life. I wanted to share my experience of working through menopause as well as the issues and lack of understanding it raises.
"I told my immediate family I had been quoted in Parliament and they were all very pleased. My daughter is especially proud of me. She is a mental health nurse in the Navy and she and her colleagues said I was helping them further down the line.
"Hopefully it will make their lives easier when they reach the same stage."
Backbench Business Committee debate
21 October 2021
Later that year, MPs Caroline Nokes and Carolyn Harris led a general debate on World Menopause Month.
The subject for the debate was nominated by the Backbench Business Committee.
Several MPs from the Conservative, Labour, Democratic Unionist and Scottish National Parties spoke during the debate.
Again, stories and experiences shared by those who had signed petitions were heard:
"Looking again at those responses and at the hundreds of emails coming into my inbox makes me realise just how many women out there are now ready to reach out and share their experiences.
"I am honoured that they are choosing to do that, but it saddens me that many of them have never spoken about their symptoms with anyone else."
Watch the full debate on parliamentlive.tv
You can also read the debate transcript on Hansard.
Private Members' Bill
29 October 2021
The following week saw the Second Reading of the Menopause (Support and Services) Bill.
This was a Ballot Bill brought in by Carolyn Harris MP and supported by backbench Members of the Labour, Conservative and Democratic Unionist parties.
Speaking on behalf of the Government, Minister for Health Maria Caulfield MP made key policy announcements on:
- changes to prescription charges for hormone replacement therapy
- the establishment of a new menopause taskforce:
Watch her full speech:
Or read the transcript on Hansard.
For more information on what the Government has announced, read this press release from the Department for Health and Social Care:
- More support for women experiencing the menopause (29 October, 2021)
Watch the full debate
Read the full debate transcript on Hansard.
"Upon reflection, I am so glad that I took the time to sign the petition about the menopause and then complete the subsequent survey.
"The insights and experiences I provided, and those given by hundreds of other women, were used by Carolyn Harris MP to help with her debate on the menopause and then with the Private Members' Bill.
"This information from the public was crucial in building a picture of how women were feeling about menopause services and support in this country and to see what needed to be changed or improved.
"I would urge anyone thinking of signing a Parliamentary petition or contacting their MP about an issue that matters to them, to not hesitate in doing so.
"It's from us all getting involved that Parliament and our MPs find out what really matters to us, and this can ultimately lead to direct action and change taking place."
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