EU committee warns of women’s health ‘blind spot’

An EU committee has backed a report warning of systemic inequalities in women’s health research, diagnosis and treatment across Europe.

The European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality approved the report, which was initiated by Renew Europe.

Women remain under-represented in medical research and clinical trials.

Around 72 per cent of drug trials do not provide data separated by sex and gender, while only five per cent of global research and development funding is dedicated to women’s health.

The report was led by Renew Europe rapporteur Billy Kelleher MEP of Fianna Fáil in Ireland.

It calls for greater investment in women’s health research, stronger inclusion of women in clinical trials and gender-sensitive diagnostics and treatments, particularly for endometriosis, menopause and cardiovascular disease.

Kelleher, first vice-president of Renew Europe, said: “Women’s health remains one of medicine’s biggest blind spots.

“When research, clinical trials and medical data fail to reflect women’s experiences, the result is poorer diagnosis, treatment and care.”

The report also calls for improved access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, including follow-up to the successful European Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice”.

Its recommendations include better support for women’s physical and mental health and access to high-quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, free from discrimination.

It also highlights additional healthcare barriers faced by LGBTQI+ people and women in marginalised communities or vulnerable situations.

Kelleher said: “This report is about closing those gaps and ensuring that women’s health is recognised as a core measure of the quality and fairness of our healthcare systems.”

By placing women’s health higher on the political agenda, the report aims to support the implementation of the EU Gender Equality Strategy and shape future European health policies.

A final vote by the European Parliament is expected in September 2026.