Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, how the 2010 Equalities Act applies to people with (a) endometriosis, (b) polycystic ovary syndrome and (c) other chronic conditions.

The Equality Act 2010 (the Act), may protect some people with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome as well as other chronic conditions on the grounds of disability. This will be the case where someone suffering from these disorders experiences a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. An employer or a service provider is required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that disabled people are not put at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled people. Depending on circumstances, the Act may also provide protection from discrimination on grounds of sex and/or age.

The Act also provides that people with progressive conditions that have effects that increase in severity over time should be regarded as meeting the criteria for having a disability before it actually has that effect.