Response to inquiry on girls’ and women’s reproductive health 2025

UNISON response

Reproductive health issues have a significant affect on women’s working lives and wellbeing. Conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids and PMDD affect up to one in four people who menstruate. 

Lack of awareness and limited training often leads to delays in diagnosis, while women may also feel unable to discuss menstrual health at work.  

Menstrual health education in schools should be mandatory, along with better training for healthcare staff and greater access to free period products. Racial inequalities in reproductive healthcare also persist and we urge the government address these disparities. 

About the consultation

The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee inquiry on girls’ and women’s reproductive health opened the call for evidence in 2025. The inquiry examines issues such as education on menstrual health, access to treatment for reproductive conditions, the effectiveness of Women’s Health Hubs, and inequalities in diagnosis and care.