Your Weekly Wrap Up | 3-9 Mar 💦
From a potential new law granting bereavement leave after miscarriage to the UN’s warning about a global backlash on women’s rights — here’s what you need to know this week.
Self-care note: This newsletter talks about femicide and miscarriage. If you find this distressing or triggering, remember to take it at your own pace. You may prefer to read small sections, wait until you feel ready to read it all, or choose not to read it at all.
If this week’s newsletter feels especially women-focused… well, yesterday was International Women’s Day after all. From reproductive rights to gender-based violence, the headlines highlight why days like IWD still matter.
We’re covering a potential new law granting bereavement leave after miscarriage, a breakthrough in womb cancer detection, and the UN’s warning about a global backlash against women’s rights. But it’s not all about cis women — there’s also news on autoimmune misdiagnoses and a proposed law to end smacking in England. Read on to find out.
Have a story we should cover? Submit it here. In the meantime, read on for this week’s biggest stories.
Common vaginal 'imbalance' may actually be an STI
New research suggests that bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal condition affecting nearly a third of cis women worldwide, may actually be sexually transmitted.
BV has long been classified as an imbalance in vaginal bacteria rather than an STI. However, an Australian study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating both sexual partners in heterosexual couples significantly reduced recurrence, supporting the idea that BV fits the definition of an STI.
BV can cause unusual vaginal discharge with a strong odour, though half of those affected have no symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to complications such as infertility and premature births. The researchers say advances in genomic sequencing are helping pinpoint the specific bacteria responsible, which could lead to better treatments.
Given the findings, clinics in Australia are already changing their approach, treating both partners rather than just the patient. UK experts have welcomed the study, calling it “valuable evidence” for rethinking how BV is diagnosed and managed.
If you have concerns about BV or STI symptoms, speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic.
Source: BBC News
Bereavement leave after miscarriage could become law in the UK
A new bill proposed by the government could entitle people who have suffered a miscarriage to two weeks of bereavement leave. The bill, which aims to reform many areas of employment law, would apply in England, Wales, and Scotland.
Currently, leave is only legally given to those who have lost a pregnancy at 24 weeks or later, or at the employer’s discretion.
Every year, between 10% and 20% of pregnancies end in an early miscarriage within the first 12 weeks of gestation.
Source: Cosmopolitan
A new, less invasive diagnostic test to detect womb cancer
A new swab method is now available to detect womb cancer. Less invasive and as accurate as an ultrasound scan, this new test uses technology similar to that used in Covid PCR tests and can reduce false positives by 87%.
Researchers highlight that, unlike this new method, current tests for detecting signs of womb cancer can cause stress and discomfort, and have particularly poor performance in Black people with womb.
Developed by researchers at UCL and the University of Innsbruck, the test has been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and could soon be available on the NHS.
Source: The Guardian
One in eight women killed by men are over 70, a new report reveals
Despite the majority of women victims of femicide are aged between 20 and 60, one in eight women killed by men are over 70 years old, the 2,000 women report by the Femicide Census revealed.
The report, based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the UK’s police forces and publicly available information, also found that more than 30% of older women victims of femicide are killed by a current or former partner.
Yet, their killings rarely make the headlines and their vulnerability is not sufficiently taken into account, the report highlights.
Source: The Guardian
EDIT: After posting this weekly wrap up and including this story, we realised that the report actively excluded transgender women and non-binary people. While we recognise the importance of raising awareness of gender-based violence against older cisgender women, it is crucial to emphasise that trans women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence. Pillow Talk Scotland is committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can feel welcome, and we stand against any form of vilification and discrimination of trans people.
As a small, independent organisation, we rely on community support to keep our work going. Whether it’s £2 a month or a one-off donation, every contribution helps us continue to run events, fund independent reporting, and advocate for better conversations around sex, relationships, and wellbeing in Scotland.
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Gaps in breast cancer research and screening programmes exclude Black communities in the UK
According to a new paper, there are significant gaps in research and limitations in access to screening programmes for Black communities in the UK.
The review analysed nearly 1,000 papers on the barriers to breast cancer screening and found that only eight included Black women, who were often grouped together despite their diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Researchers also identified physical, emotional, cultural, and practical barriers that prevent Black women from participating in screening programmes, including the unavailability of appointments outside of working hours.
However, in their analysis, the researchers found no interventions to encourage Black women to participate in screening programs.
Source: The Conversation
Women’s rights are under attack, UN warns
According to the latest report by UN Women, nearly one in four countries worldwide reported a backlash on women’s rights in 2024.
The findings suggest that a woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member, the digital gender gap limits women's life opportunities, and global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis have increased the risk of gender discrimination.
The report was published for the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, which was agreed upon by 189 governments in 1995 as a commitment to achieving gender equality.
Source: UN Women
Misdiagnoses of autoimmune diseases as psychosomatic have lasting effects, a new study found
A new study of more than 3,000 people has revealed that misdiagnosis of autoimmune disease as psychosomatic or as a mental health issue can have lasting effects.
Among the main consequences, the researchers found feelings of shame, depression, and distrust of doctors, which can lead people to avoid seeking help when needed.
More than 70 per cent of those surveyed who reported a misdiagnosis said it still causes feelings of dismay and has impacted their self-esteem.
Source: The Conversation
Doctors call for law change to end smacking
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has called for a ban on smacking in England, pointing out that it “undoubtedly harms” children.
The doctors also say that the ""reasonable punishment"" defence for smacking dates back to 1860 and it is outdated.
Physical punishment of children is already against the law in Scotland and Wales.
Source: The Independent
That’s all for this week’s wrap up, but plenty is happening beyond the headlines. From workshops to book clubs, here’s what’s coming up across Scotland.
Ever needed to speak up but didn’t know how?
Join us in Glasgow for an empowering and interactive workshop designed to help women enhance their advocacy skills! Hosted by Pillow Talk Scotland in collaboration with She Advocates Society, this session is all about equipping you with the tools to stand up for yourself and others — no matter the topic at hand.
Other spicy (and cuddly) events happening soon🌶️
Feminist Book Club. 11 March, Glasgow.
Socialist Feminist Book Club. The Right to Sex. 11 March, Edinburgh.
Queer Theory: Gender Splendour. 14 March, Glasgow.
The Psychology of Attachment Styles with Cate Mackenzie. 18 March, Edinburgh.
Sex Positive Reading Group (18+). 25 March, Glasgow.
Trans Pride March. 29 March, Kirkcaldy.