Posted in Having a Voice

Women Should Be Outraged

I read a lot of health related articles and blogs.   Recently one article in the NY Times caught my attention because it showed the gender bias in our society.  The article was about drugs for lupus.  A new drug for lupus hasn’t come on the market in almost 50 years.  The old treatments are used but nothing seems to be emerging as the new kid on the block.

What concerns me is that the article also stated that 9 out of 10 diagnosed with lupus are women.  If 90% of the cases are women why are women more outraged about the lack of new treatment strategies.  I may not be a woman, but I can certainly be outraged by what seems to be a clear case of gender bias.  Would the same lack of advances happen if 90% of those diagnosed were men?  I Think Not!!

The follow-up question is what is going to be done about this?  Are women’s groups talking about the need for more research, clinical trials, and eventually treatments that will aid those diagnosed with this disease?  How can women’s groups come together and make it a real Women’s Health Crisis?

I know I’m probably preaching to the choir, but 50 years is a long time to go without any new treatment strategy.  If that were true of other diseases we’d be in a lot of trouble.  We’ve got science and technology, so is it the money?  Is Lupus not a high-profile disease?  Do we need some big celebrity to be diagnosed or a politician in order to get things moving along?

What are your ideas?  How can those diagnosed with lupus and their loved ones come out and take a stand for more research.  This illness is often debilitating for those diagnosed so new treatments are not a nice idea, they’ve got to be a priority.  I’d love to hear your views on this health crisis.