Tuesday 12 May 2026 | 12:30 - 17:30

Homerton College, University of Cambridge - Hills Road CB2 8PH

Mary Allen Building Auditorium and other rooms

Uterine fibroids affect millions, yet they remain underdiagnosed, underfunded, and largely overlooked in public health priorities

Building on last year's Big Conversation on inequalities in women's health, this symposium shifts the focus from awareness to action. In partnership with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Black Health and the Caribbean & African Health Network (CAHN), we will bring together clinicians, researchers, patient advocates, and policymakers to explore pathways for advancing uterine fibroids as a public health and legislative priority within the UK and beyond.

Drawing lessons from the US Fibroid Bill, the afternoon will examine how evidence, advocacy, and political engagement can align to secure research funding, improve practicioner education, and expand access to early diagnosis and fertility-preserving care.

Through keynote contributions, panel discussions, and stakeholder workshops, participants will work towards practical recommendations and a coordinated coalition for sustained policy change.

Confirmed guests include Fibroids Forum UK, Prof Hilary Crichley (University of Edinburgh), Dr Sharon Dixon (RCGP), Dr Edward Morris (NHS East of England), Dr Marie Anne Ledingham (NICE), Prof Sue Carr (GMC), Dr Aamena Salar (Birmingham’s Women’s Health Hub), Dr Christine Ekechi (O/G consultant and Women's Health Advocate), Sateria Venable (Fibroids Foundation, US), Samira Rafaela (former MEP), Sonah Paton (Black Mothers Matter), Leila Onome Aigbedion (Netherlands Fibroid Foundation).

Online contributions from Professor Dame Lesley Regan and Beverley Knight. Full program will be available soon.

Who should attend: Healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, professional bodies, patient advocates, students, and those engaged in shaping women's health systems.

Outcomes: A policy briefing document, stakeholder recommendations for parliamentary engagement and a strategic roadmap towards legislative reform.