March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and I’m going to present a petition entitled “Improve Endometriosis Care and Education.”

“To the Legislative Assembly of Ontario:

“Whereas one in 10 women, trans and non-binary people who menstruate suffer from endometriosis;

“Whereas the diagnosis of endometriosis can take more than five years;

“Whereas the average wait time to see an endometriosis specialist in Ontario is” anywhere from “seven to” 11 “years;

“Whereas Canada has a shortage of health care providers and specialists trained in endometriosis, forcing many to go untreated or spend thousands of dollars to receive surgeries out of the country;

“Whereas there is societal stigma and discrimination surrounding menstruation and the reproductive health of women, trans and non-binary peoples;

“We, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly as follows:

“To make significant investment in Ontario’s health care system to ensure patients with endometriosis have access to publicly funded care in Ontario in a timely manner;

“To increase funding in endometriosis research;

“To improve medical program requirements on knowledge of endometriosis;

“To train more endometriosis specialists.”

I could not sign this with more pride and in more support. I want to thank the members of Toronto–St. Paul’s, especially folks from midtown and also folks from endometriosis events, for all of their leadership and advocacy on this. Thank you, guys. I love you, guys. I’m standing with you. Thank you.