Endometriosis patients demand workplace protections

The Chamber of Deputies held a debate on Wednesday morning regarding a public petition demanding greater workplace flexibility for women with endometriosis. The petition, having secured the required number of signatures, called for official recognition of endometriosis as a chronic illness and improved protections for affected employees.

Endometriosis, which affects roughly one in ten women of childbearing age worldwide, occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often invading other organs. This can lead to severe pain and complications such as internal bleeding – including in the lungs – as well as nasal and oral haemorrhaging.

Petitioner Liliana Rodrigues, who has the condition, emphasised its systemic impact: "This isn't just a gynaecological issue. The tissue can spread to the brain, and bleeding may occur from the eyes, nose [...]. We need to stop framing it as purely a women's health problem."

The petitioners highlighted cases of women losing jobs due to endometriosis-related absences and proposed classifying severe cases under disabled worker status. They also criticised Luxembourg's lack of a specialised medical network, noting that patients often contact them for guidance in the absence of trained professionals.

The petition cited lengthy diagnosis timelines and urged adoption of a saliva test already reimbursed in France (up to €839) under a national health study. Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez acknowledged the test's potential but stressed the need for evidence of efficacy before approval.

Following parliamentary recess, committees will review options for patient status classification and test reimbursement.

Several MPs also asked whether there is an association for affected individuals and if the petitioners wished to personally lead an awareness campaign in schools.