Endometriosis Is Political: Advocacy and Action by the Endometriosis Association Germany
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age – about two million people in Germany alone. Despite its prevalence and the serious impact on health and quality of life, endometriosis remains vastly underdiagnosed, undertreated, and under-researched. This is due to systemic issues such as the Gender Health Gap, Gender Data Gap, stigma surrounding menstruation, and the normalisation of menstrual pain. To address these challenges, the Endometriosis Association Germany has launched a strong political advocacy campaign through its working group Endo.Politisch.Aktiv. (EPA).
Why Endometriosis Requires Political Action
The association views endometriosis as not just a medical issue, but a social and political one. Improvements in public education, healthcare training, research funding, and access to specialised treatment require political decisions and support. We advocate on all political levels – local, state, national, and international – engaging with a wide array of stakeholders, from parliaments to health ministries, unions, and civil society organisations.
A National Endometriosis Strategy
In 2025, the German endometriosis association published a proposal for a National Endometriosis Strategy, outlining ten key areas for action. These include the expansion of certified treatment centres, multimodal and cross-sector care, fair reimbursement structures, support for fertility treatments, a national research plan, comprehensive awareness campaigns, better training for professionals, reforms in disability recognition, workplace education, and institutional integration of women’s health. The proposal is supported by leading medical societies in Germany and Europe and emphasises the need for structural reform.
Recent Political Milestones
Significant progress has been made in recent years. Endometriosis was debated in the German federal parliament (Bundestag) for the first time in 2022, and several research projects have been launched with federal funding in 2024. We also actively participate in expert hearings, public demonstrations, and policy discussions across Germany’s federal states.
International Efforts
The association is also active internationally, pushing for a European Endometriosis Strategy. In 2024, we participated in events in the European and Swedish Parliaments and co-signed a call for action with counterparts across Europe. These efforts aim to coordinate research, diagnosis, and care standards across EU member states. For the European Election in May 2024, we drafted a policy paper with concrete suggestions for improving lives of people with endometriosis in Europe. The paper is also available in English.
Contact
We welcome questions and suggestions about our work. Please feel free to send your feedback and specific ideas about our policy papers to Verena Fisch or Eva Walle.