The NHS is being called upon to include endometriosis on the exemption list for free prescriptions. This common condition affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth of reproductive age across the UK.
Globally, around 10% of women suffer from endometriosis—approximately 176 million people. In the UK alone, an estimated 1.5 million individuals are affected, a figure comparable to the number of people living with diabetes, according to Endometriosis UK.
A petition launched by Sophie Stock, supported by dozens of signatories, urges the UK Government to recognize endometriosis as a qualifying long-term medical condition for free NHS prescriptions. The petition states:
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“We want the Government to add endometriosis to the list of qualifying long-term medical conditions that entitle patients in England to Medical Exemption for free NHS prescriptions.”
Endometriosis is a chronic, incurable inflammatory condition that necessitates ongoing medical treatment. Those living with it often require lifelong prescriptions, including hormone therapies, pain relief, and medications for bladder and bowel complications.
Despite this, endometriosis is not currently recognized for Medical Exemption Certificates, forcing many patients to pay prescription fees indefinitely to manage their condition.
The petition is open for signatures until 3 December 2026. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond, and upon reaching 100,000, it will be considered for a parliamentary debate.
Most adults in England pay £9.90 per NHS prescription item, though certain groups qualify for exemptions. Children under 16 and adults over 60 commonly receive free prescriptions, as do individuals with specific medical conditions or benefits. Campaigners argue that endometriosis sufferers should also be included to ease their financial burden while managing this lifelong disease.