The inequalities between men and women are most visible when it comes to clinical research and mental health. Yet, these differences are still being ignored, as most of the medicines and health care treatments are developed and tested only with men. The European Commission and Member states must change this reality and integrate a gender perspective into all their health policies, programmes and research. This is the message sent today by the European Parliament, whose members have backed the report drafted by ALDE MEP Beatriz Becerra on promoting Gender equality in Mental health and Clinical research.
Beatriz Becerra, European Parliament’s rapporteur said: “There is a reality we cannot longer ignore. Men and women have different genes, biology and anatomical features, which are related to different health problems. Facts proved by the WHO show that while women have higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress, somatisation and eating disorders, men have higher rates of substance abuse and antisocial disorders. Adapting the diagnoses, treatments and medicines to the differences between men and women is crucial for ensuring appropriate medical treatment for everyone”
“However, women are still ignored in most clinical tests and research and therefore the possible side effects some treatments may cause on them are often unknown. It’s hard not to call it sexism. This sometimes entails a very high risk to women’s lives.”
“The same applies for mental health care. Although over the past years some kind of awareness is emerging, there is still a long way to go. Mental healthcare needs to be tackled in a holistic, comprehensive, and gender-sensitive manner. We need inclusive policies, that do not leave anyone behind, that take into account all EU citizens, including those who have special health care needs like LGBTI citizens”.
„The Commission and member states’ policies must take due account of gender differences in research and health care, in terms of prevention, diagnosis and treatment”.
“The primary responsibility for health-related policies in the EU lies with the Member States, but the EU nevertheless has a competence in health promotion and disease prevention”.
“The support of this parliament for the principles laid down in my report is an important step towards improving gender equality in mental health and clinical research”
