Government officials and MPs reviewed next steps on Wednesday as campaigners continued to push for endometriosis to be recognised in law as a chronic condition affecting women's health and work.

On Wednesday, the Health and Social Security committees in the Chamber discussed next steps following a petition on endometriosis, which was debated in Parliament a month ago. The petitioner called for the recognition of endometriosis as a chronic illness, including under labour law.

After the meeting, Labour Minister Georges Mischo stated that while the disease is chronic, it is not possible to address a single illness in the Labour Code. Instead, the government is considering a broader approach covering all chronic illnesses, potentially granting a status similar to that of disabled workers.

However, the petitioner and accompanying women had clearly expressed their refusal to be given disabled worker status. Mischo acknowledged this, noting the need to identify a common denominator for chronic illnesses to enable their inclusion in the Labour Code.

Endometriosis affects only women, as it involves uterine lining tissue migrating outside the uterus and attaching to other parts of the body, where it reacts to the hormonal cycle and causes inflammation, leading to severe pain.

Health and Social Security Minister Martine Deprez said the Scientific Council is reviewing recommendations for patient care. On health insurance and labour law, she noted that long-term illnesses are already provided for under the Social Security Code, with an existing category allowing doctors to register the condition when regular medical care or medication is required.

Opposition representatives observed that the level of information had not significantly changed since last month's parliamentary debate, indicating little progress on the issue.