LONDON. Offer for protection of women which are menopause she rejected British government, on the grounds that it would constitute discrimination against men, according to a government official. In a report last summer, the House of Commons cross-party committee on women’s affairs and equality called for menopause to be called a “protected characteristic” as in the case of religion and race, suggesting that the provision be included in the amendment. to the Equality Bill.

The law prohibits discrimination against people suffering from menopausal symptoms. By menopause, the committee’s drafting group understands the transition from regular menstruation to the last menstrual period, a period that may last about four years, but possibly up to ten. Menopausal symptoms can include sudden and destabilizing mood swings, feelings of intense anxiety, and sudden hot flashes.

However, the government’s official reaction to the committee’s proposal was negative. government of Rishi Sunak understand that any such amendment could “have the unintended consequences of creating – unwittingly – new forms of discrimination, such as the exclusion from this care of men suffering from chronic diseases”, as a Downing Street councilor said on BBC radio.

The interpartisan committee report does not call for financial assistance for women (and transgender men) dealing with uncomfortable menopausal symptoms, instead suggesting a trial period of “special menopause leave” to help those suffering from painful withdrawal symptoms during menopause. And this proposal, however, was rejected by the conservative government. In a statement, Downing Street reaffirmed its rejection, saying that such a measure was unnecessary and could even be described as “counterproductive”.

Committee members expressed their disappointment, noting that the need to protect women in the workplace, especially during times as difficult as menopause, should be clear. A UK opinion poll published in Women’s Health in 2022 found that 57% of those suffering from symptoms of a hormonal or gynecological disease said it had an impact on their career. 10% of women (and transgender men) in a Fawcett Foundation survey reported that they had quit their jobs due to menopausal symptoms.

Sunak’s government rejected the committee’s proposal to call menopause a “protected sign.”

Reacting to the government’s refusal, MPs from virtually every party in the British Parliament accused the prime minister of a “cold” attitude towards women’s health issues in the national health system and in the workplace.

Conservative MP Carolyn Noakes, Chair of the Committee on Women and Equality, said: “The extremely late negative response to our report is a missed opportunity to protect the large number of talented and professionally experienced women who will leave the labor market if they don’t get a little help. I am not convinced that menopause is a government priority. Women have long been stigmatized, shamed and looked down upon when it comes to menopause. The evidence we have presented requires immediate action.”

Women’s health index

The withdrawal coincides with the announcement of the UK’s low ranking in the Hologic Global Women’s Health Index 2021. The country is on par with Kazakhstan, trailing the US, Australia, New Zealand, France and Germany.

Speaking to The Guardian, a London government spokesman said: “We recognize and understand that menopause can be a difficult time for women and therefore we have made women’s health at the top of our priorities. We are implementing an ambitious program in partnership with the National Health Service to ensure that all women have access to the care they need.”