Jacinta Allan’s government has been criticised for encouraging biological males who identify as women to take part in research into women’s pain.
“Anyone who identifies as a woman” has been urged to take part in taxpayer-funded research looking at women’s issues such as endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome and the menopause.
The Department of Health’s website asked individuals, physicians and organizations to share their experiences and knowledge about pain, care, service and treatment of women and girls in the state’s health care system.
“The research will report on these experiences and make recommendations that will form the basis for improving patient care,” the page reads.
Women’s rights advocates said asking those who “may have had a different sex at birth” to submit a written submission is “absurd” and “a mockery of women’s pain.”
Australian Women’s Forum chief executive Rachael Wong said women were “understandably angry” about the move to include biological men.
“It is physiologically impossible for men to experience female health problems or the pain that accompanies them,” she said. Herald of the Sun.
A prominent Victorian surgeon criticised the move, saying “gender-affirming care was wreaking havoc on healthcare” and that biology should come before identity.
Jacinta Allan’s government has been criticised for encouraging biological males to take part in research into women’s pain
The doctor explained that medical professionals who criticise the system may face disciplinary action or even deregistration.
Ms Allan launched the Women’s Pain Inquiry in January as part of a $153 million transformation project on women’s health.
“Many women in our community know there is a gender gap in pain,” she said at the time.
‘They know their pain is real and they also know that for too long that pain has not been believed nor has it received the treatment it needs and deserves through our health care system.
‘That’s why the government is devoting a significant amount of attention and resources to this issue, because when we support women’s health, we support the health of all Victorians.’
The decision to include transgender people in the research followed public criticism of the government over the perceived exclusivity of its Women’s Health Survey last year.
Approximately 200,000 women in Victoria suffer from endometriosis
A Victorian government spokesperson said they would ensure every submission and recommendation was taken seriously.
Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but said the inquiry should “focus on the subject it is purportedly investigating.”
According to the Victorian Government, around 200,000 women across the state suffer from endometriosis and it takes on average seven years to receive a diagnosis.
Around 40 per cent of Victorian women live with chronic pain and a third are affected by debilitating symptoms of the menopause.
Submissions close July 31st.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Victorian government for comment.
