blog.gov.jeAs it is International Women’s Day tomorrow (Saturday 8 March), I would like to share the progress Jersey is making in addressing the health needs of women and girls.
Over the past year, we have been listening to the voices of local women and girls through public consultations and meetings with professionals.
We’ve gained invaluable insights that are helping to guide our actions and plans for the future.
We know that health and wellbeing is more than just the absence of illness.
It’s about living as well as we can, with a good support network with family and friends, eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight, making sure we get enough sleep, exercising, and refraining from smoking, excessive alcohol use, and taking illicit drugs, as well as being able to access preventive care, and support at every stage of life. We’re continuing to progress on our work to support women’s physical and mental health.
I am really pleased to say that we have made it easier for couples considering IVF to have access to treatment. New criteria means that couples with a gross annual household income of £82,300 can have up to three IVF cycles funded by the Government. I hope that this is welcome news to those who have been struggling to start a family. If you are considering IVF funding and would like to know more, please visit gov.je/IVF.
Endometriosis has been a frequently talked about topic over the last few years, both in Jersey and in the UK. I know endometriosis causes real pain and suffering for women with the condition and I am extremely sympathetic about what they go through. I am very keen that anyone who experiences any problems receives as much support as is feasible and reassure Islanders that further discussions on a future service for those with endometriosis will take place.
We are looking to publish updated proposals for the Termination of Pregnancy Law later this month with an option for Islanders to feedback on the proposals before they are drafted into law. I am keen that our legislation reflects societal values, meets the needs of women and adapts to changes in medical practice.
These are just a few examples of what we have done this year, and we are committed to continuous improvement, and input from Islanders will guide the way forward.
Together, we are building a healthier, stronger community for all. Thank you for your continued engagement and feedback.
Deputy Andy Howell
Assistant Minister for Health and Social Services