Inquiry into Women’s Pain
When the Allan Labor Government launched its landmark Inquiry into Women’s Pain, it was an acknowledgement of what Victorian women already know: their pain is real, and the system needs to do better.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today released the final Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report – the result of an overwhelming number of submissions.
Shaped by the experiences of 13,000 women and girls aged between 12 and 79 – as well as their carers, clinicians, and peak bodies – the report revealed gender health gaps, experiences of medical bias, sexism and misogyny and feelings of being ignored or dismissed by clinicians.
The process also reaffirmed that chronic pain disproportionately impacts women, affects their daily lives, relationships, employment, and overall wellbeing.
We’re acting now – rolling out ‘green whistle’ pain relief, setting a statewide standard for women’s pain care, and supporting adolescents and girls with a special clinic in the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Inquiry Findings
Experiences of pain and its impact:
90 per cent experienced pain lasting more than a year, and 54 per cent experience daily pain
89 per cent said pain impacted their mental health
The most common conditions were menstrual and hormonal (40 per cent), endometriosis (26 per cent), and musculoskeletal problems (26 per cent).
Barriers to accessing care:
95 per cent sought assistance for pain
71 per cent cited widespread dismissal by healthcare professionals
68 per cent said the cost of seeking care is an obstacle
Key areas of healthcare discrimination include gender identity, race, disability and weight.
From the data, the report lays out five key areas of concerns: unmet healthcare needs, gaps in research and presentation, gender bias in healthcare, barriers across communities – and the need for change.
The final report marks a turning point in women’s healthcare in Victoria. While work begins on lasting, systemic change – in line with its 27 recommendations – we’ll act now to close the gender pain gap sooner.
Green Whistle
Pain, and the fear of pain, is a real barrier for IUD use. This pain is too often dismissed. That’s why the Labor Government will pilot the use of the ‘green whistle’ for IUD insertion.
The green whistle is an inhaler-style device for pain relief and will provide women a level of control over their pain at the exact time they need it during IUD insertion or removal.
The Sexual and Reproductive Hub at Peninsula Health have already introduced the use of the ‘green whistle’ (Penthrox) for pain relief during IUD insertion.
It will now be rolled out at all 20 Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs in Victoria, to increase uptake of IUDs and give women pain relief for this procedure.
Women’s Pain Standard
While there are exemplary models of care in Victoria, the Inquiry demonstrates that it is not everyone’s experience.
That’s why the Labor Government will set a Women’s Pain Standard across Victoria’s health system – empowering women to know the standard they should expect when seeking care.
The standard will be created in consultation with clinicians, experts and women – it will apply to all public hospitals and health services over time, starting with our hubs and clinics.
Once in place, the Women’s Pain Standard will support the consistent delivery of high quality pain counselling and relief starting with common gynaecological procedures like IUD insertion.
Royal Children’s Hospital Children and Adolescent Clinic
The inquiry found that too many adolescents and girls across Victoria are experiencing pelvic pain – often facing barriers and delays in diagnosis and treatment which can become chronic or complex if left unaddressed.
That’s why the Labor Government will deliver targeted support for young Victorians, establishing a children and adolescent clinic within the Royal Children’s Hospital, as part of the network of 20 Women’s Health Clinics.
The new clinic will focus on sexual and reproductive health and pain conditions such as endometriosis in young people up to the age of 18 and will open in 2026.
The clinic will also work with Local Health Service Networks to set up clear referral pathways for regional patients.
What’s next
One of the key recommendations was a Women’s Pain Action Plan, to set clear goals and respond to the findings of the Inquiry. The Government will develop this over the next six months in consultation with women.
The report’s recommendations will also guide systemwide improvements in future years to ensure women’s pain is recognised, understood, and properly treated.
This work is now underway and will complement the Government’s $153 million women’s health package.
This package is already transforming the way women’s healthcare is delivered in Victoria, with 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs now open, 20 new women’s health clinics underway, both virtual and mobile women’s health clinics operating, and a dedicated and first of its kind Aboriginal women’s health clinic.
To read the Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report, please visit health.vic.gov.au/inquiry-
Premier Jacinta Allan said
“It’s time we stop hearing that our pain doesn’t exist.”
“These tangible steps will improve the lives of women and girls everywhere. The RCH clinic is going to be life changing – because when young girls face delays in diagnosis and treatment, it can affect them permanently.”
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said
“I want to thank the 13,000 Victorian women who’ve made this possible – it’s because of you that we’ll be able to create generational change to our health system.”
“The Women’s Pain Standard and the green whistle trial will be gamechangers for Victorian women – but our work doesn’t stop here.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous said
“This report makes clear what women have known for generations – our pain is too often dismissed as normal. We’re taking action to change that, expanding access to pain relief and giving women a voice in their healthcare.”
