Endometriosis is a serious, chronic disease associated with severe pain, especially during menstrual periods and can reduce a person's ability to get pregnant. People who have endometriosis symptoms can experience significant diagnostic delays and delays in accessing care, due to limited awareness and because its symptoms often mimic other conditions. Every Canadian, no matter their medical conditions, should have access to safe and efficient sexual and reproductive health services.
That is why today, Julie Dabrusin, Member of Parliament for Toronto-Danforth and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada's Minister of Health, announced more than $1.6 million in funding to The Endometriosis Network Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) to improve awareness of endometriosis, access to vital Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services and reduce barriers to care by developing resources for people living with endometriosis and health care providers.
These projects are funded through Health Canada's SRH Fund, which was established through Budget 2021 with an initial investment of $45 million to improve access to SRH care for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access, with an additional commitment of $36 million through Budget 2023. Our government will continue the work to ensure that access to health services are accessible, equitable and affordable for all Canadians.
