7. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Women’s Health

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:56 pm on 5 July 2022.

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Photo of Sarah Murphy Sarah Murphy Labour 5:56, 5 July 2022

Thank you, Minister, for this. I know that women's health is a priority for you and our Welsh Government, and so I very much welcome the statement today.

I don't want to say things that have already been said; I just want to support what you, Minister, and Jenny Rathbone have said about the ruling being overturned in the US—the Roe v. Wade—and I really do believe that it's going to be a very dark time in American society now for, as you said, men and women, because of this decision that has been made. I think it's really terrifying as well for many, many people across the world because this has happened. Our right to autonomy and to healthcare can be taken away from us with political will, and that is why we must keep fighting to protect the rights of women across the world.

I just want to say, though, really—. I'd like to pay tribute to the women in my community who have shared their experiences of healthcare and gender, from cervical screening and menopause to neurodivergence. As I've said before, it is historical, it's engrained in our systems, because the decisions made about our healthcare have not always been made with women in mind, by women. So, I just wanted to ask if you could give us a little bit more about neurodivergence, really, because this is something that I've had an overwhelming response about, and I think just that a lot of women would like that reassurance that it is being taken seriously by our Welsh Government. Thank you.