Labour calls for public inquiry into vaginal mesh implants

Labour is calling for a public inquiry into the use of vaginal mesh implants, and will also call for the use of the controversial products to be halted with immediate effect while the inquiry takes place.

Surgical mesh implants have been used to treat a number of conditions in women, including internal organ prolapse and incontinence, but high numbers of women have begun to come forward claiming the procedures have left them in debilitating pain.

On Wednesday morning, MPs will discuss the impact of mesh implants in a debate called by Emma Hardy, MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Sharon Hodgson MP, Labour’s Shadow Public Health Minister said:

“Mesh implants have left women in permanent pain, unable to walk, and unable to work. This is an ongoing public health scandal and the Government need to do much more to support those affected.

“Ministers have said NICE will publish updated guidance for these products but not until January 2018. Mesh implants should be taken off the market now until we know more about the threat they pose to women’s safety.

“The Government have failed to answer big questions about the extent of this public health scandal, including how many women have been affected and why a product with such terrible risks was allowed into the market in the first place.

“Labour is calling for a full inquiry to uncover the extent of the harm done by mesh implants so we can be sure that this never happens again.”