On Monday the 8th of September, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) hosted its first-ever Parliamentary Reception and Report Launch at the Thames Pavilion, Houses of Parliament.
The reception brought together MPs, Peers, clinicians, patient advocates, charities, NHS leaders, and policymakers to shine a spotlight on one of the UK’s most common but under-recognised health conditions.
Speakers included:
Michelle Welsh MP, the Group’s Chair
Dr Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun, GP and founder of the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Women’s Health Special Interest Group
Rachel Morman and Caroline Johnson, patient speakers and representatives from Verity - the UK PCOS charity
Media Coverage
The report achieved significant national media reach:
The Guardian featured quotes from Rachel Morman, Dr Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun, and Michelle Welsh MP, alongside a DHSC response.
ITV News told the story through patient case studies, highlighting the call for a national diagnostic protocol.
BBC Woman’s Hour and Channel 5 News provided further in-depth coverage.
About the Report
The APPG’s landmark report, Breaking the Cycle: Addressing Systemic Failures in PCOS Diagnosis and Management, is the first parliamentary report dedicated to PCOS.
The findings reveal delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, and unequal access to treatment across the UK.
WHAT’S nEXT
Next steps include:
Coordinating follow-up meetings with key MPs, Peers and government officials to build parliamentary support.
Supporting national and regional media outreach to keep PCOS in the public eye.
Tracking progress and preparing future parliamentary activity, ensuring momentum is maintained beyond the launch.
This launch marks a historic milestone for women’s health. With PCOS affecting 1 in 8 women and those assigned female at birth, continued action and collaboration will be essential to ensure that PCOS is no longer overlooked and that every person living with the condition receives timely, compassionate, and effective care.