Cambridge woman launches petition after endometriosis 'destroyed' her life
CBC
A Cambridge endometriosis advocate’s petition calling for change in how the disease is treated and recognized in Canada has received sponsorship by a member of Parliament.
Laura Cairns has lived with endometriosis for almost two decades. Her petition, which was accepted by MP Elizabeth May, calls for the recognition of endometriosis and adenomyosis as disabilities if they limit someone's ability to work, more federal funding for research and earlier diagnoses.
"I feel that it is long overdue and I hope that something good comes of this," Cairns told CBC News.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease, affecting approximately one out of 10 women worldwide. Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often found in the pelvic area. Less commonly, the tissue can grow on the bladder, lungs and brain. Symptoms include pelvic pain, pain during sex, bowel symptoms, bladder symptoms, fertility issues and fatigue.
"Personally, my life has been destroyed by this disease," said Cairns.
According to the Endometriosis Network Canada, it takes an average of five years before a diagnosis is made. In Cairns’ case, it took 17 years.
After reaching out to four MPs, who declined to accept her petition, Cairns said May was her last hope.
"I'm very grateful to her that she's willing to bring this to the table and to fight for it."
CBC News reached out to May, but we were unable to connect with her. Instead, Mike Morrice, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada, spoke on her behalf, saying May fully supports the petition.
"As Greens, we want to see a higher priority and more funding placed behind research to improve women's health, want to see more advocacy when it comes to lifting up the importance of addressing women's health, and also want to see the broadest possible definition for including more conditions as a disability, including invisible disabilities," said Morrice.
Morrice says endometriosis is meant to be covered under the Canada Disability Benefit, but access to the benefit is limited to those who qualify for the disability tax credit. He says a broader definition for disability is needed to ensure women can receive financial support.
"It's maybe a pattern where folks with disabilities, particularly hidden disabilities are not given the supports that they deserve and often the case that women's health isn't prioritized," said Morrice.
Cairns says she’s trapped in an endless cycle of not being able to afford care and not being able to afford to take time off work.
"I am low-income because of endometriosis. So it's just this constant back and forth of you can't work because you're in so much pain and you're more likely to lose your job."
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