In the FEMaLe project, we will provide a comprehensive framework to secure that results are aligned with the European Commission’s vision and idea of an inclusive, innovative and reflective society. WP2 is about responsible research and innovation and led by Bruno Sales da Silva.
We know that LGBTQ+ people in the UK (and beyond) face and experience health inequalities across the board. For example, lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to suffer from certain sexually transmitted infections, but are less likely to ever get tested. Nearly one in five have never attended a cervical screening. Trans men and non binary people with a cervix are also less likely to access cervical screening, and when it comes to accessing fertility treatment, LGBTQ+ people face more challenges starting a family.
It is clear from these statistics that lesbian and bisexual women, and trans and non-binary people are not getting the care they need.
The question is why? And more importantly, what can be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals’ healthcare needs are being met?
In the UK, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists | RCOG is committed to ensuring that ALL individuals have equal and adequate access to gynaecological healthcare.
Healthcare professionals can take steps to put people at ease by beginning conversations in an open and inclusive way. Respecting pronouns and using gender neutral language when appropriate and when desired by the person in their care is an essential part of this process.
Healthcare professionals should always obtain informed and explicit consent before any kind of procedure, and should regularly remind patients that they can stop at any time. This is especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals who may not have undergone the procedures or be familiar with them.
Read more here.