Women’s Health Products Working Group meeting #4, 31 July 2023

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) hosted the fourth meeting of the Women’s Health Products Working Group on 31 July 2023. The meeting welcomed special guest, the Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.

The Working Group is comprised of representatives from consumer groups, health professionals, industry and academia together with senior officials from the Department of Health and Aged Care.

The following topics were presented:

• Drugs in Pregnancy – options for scientific studies and data collection to better understand risks of medication exposure during pregnancy, advice and counselling services available to both pregnant women and their health professionals and the publication of evidence-based research.
• Access to therapies for the treatment of breast cancer and an update on the Breast Cancer Network Australia Strategic Plan Towards 2025.
• Accessing treatment for endometriosis through the National Action Plan for Endometriosis which provides funding for endometriosis awareness and education; clinical management and care; and research.

An update was also provided regarding the recent decision by the TGA for changes to medical abortion access, and how the TGA could further share information on trends, outcomes, and other information relating to women’s health with a focus on the importance of inclusion and health literacy.

The next meeting is scheduled to be held in Melbourne on 30 October 2023.