Sexual and reproductive health provider Family Planning says it’s “appalled, but not surprised” after Labour MP Kiri Allan revealed the sexist and racist abuse she has received on social media while undergoing treatment for cervical cancer.
Taking to Twitter, the East Coast MP posted screenshots of a mans comment on Facebook that said Mori women will assist their cervical cancer issues by abandoning promiscuity rates.
Just ya average day on NZ SM [social media], Allan wrote.
There is no evidence of differing promiscuity rates by ethnicity. Mori, however, have the lowest immunisation rate against HPV, a virus that is linked to abnormal cell activity in the cervix, which can increase someones risk in developing cervical cancer.
Some Mori women may also choose to put off smear tests for cultural reasons.
Labour’s Kiri Allan reveals racial abuse while undergoing cervical cancer treatment
Another mans Facebook comment stated: “Get over yourself Kiri. There are 71 people a day diagnosed with cancer and it sickens me to see you paraded in front of the media/by the media the Labour Party uses other peoples pain and suffering to promote their party.”
In a statement today, Family Planning chief executive Jackie Edmond spoke out against the comments, which she called a continuation of the “double standards around sexual behavior”.
“Mens behaviour is positively acknowledged while women are criticised, blamed and shamed. Not only is it wrong and hurtful, we worry that attitudes like this might prevent women coming forward for health care and treatment,” Edmond said.
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The calls come a day after Government minister Kiri Allan revealed her battle with the disease.
Source: 1 NEWS
“The situation is compounded when issues of race are included. We need to be very clear that we want equity across health care equity of access to service, equity of access to treatment, and equity of outcome.
“When survival rates for cervical cancer, for instance, are so different for Mori women compared to non-Mori, it is clear that for many, many people our health system is failing to deliver. We can and must do better.”
Allans diagnosis has prompted a renewed push for accessible cervical screening, especially among whine Mori.
