Senator for WA Rachel Siewert addresses Parliamentary response to Vaginal Mesh implants

On 3 August 2021, Senator for Western Australia, Senator Rachel Siewert addressed parliament in response to the Community Affairs References Committee report Number of women in Australia who have had transvaginal mesh implants and related matters. The final report by the committee to the Australian Government was tabled by the government in July.

It's estimated that between 10,000 and 15,000 women may have suffered side effects from implanted mesh devices. Many women who have had transvaginal mesh implants have had devastating complications resulting in ongoing emotional trauma, embarrassment, shame, depression, debilitating pain, recurring infection, loss of employment and poor quality of life.

Senator Siewert stated that "many women who received mesh implants suffered for an extremely long time. Others continue to be in constant pain. It was absolutely heartbreaking to hear the experiences of so many women and that they've been ignored for so long. These women were let down by the system. The system failed them. The way many women were treated when they were trying to get treatment and support when they had such bad outcomes is absolutely appalling and an indictment on the medical practitioners and the system involved in that treatment."

It is essential that the women that have been impacted by transvaginal mesh continue to be supported and helped in whatever way possible.

Painaustralia will continue to advocate for the need for improved responses to women impacted by this devastating condition.