Senator Jacqui Lambie breaks down in parliament demanding more support for veterans with reproductive issues

‘They want us to fight for this country. You want us to have babies for the country. But you’re not interested in supporting our reproductive system.’

Jennifer Bechwati
7NEWS
Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has made an emotional plea in Parliament for better support for women with reproductive health issues, revealing she paid $7,000 for emergency surgery to treat a vaginal prolapse linked to her Army service.

Firebrand Senator Jacqui Lambie has broken down in parliament, passionately demanding more support for women with reproductive issues.

Revealing her own painful battle, she accused Veterans Affairs of failing women who’ve served their country in a deeply personal and emotional revelation.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Jacqui Lambie’s emotional plea for veterans’ health support

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“About six months ago, my vagina started to prolapse. This is an injury that is directly connected to my back injuries from my time in the Army,” Lambie told parliament.

Unable to access a specialist in Tasmania and still waiting on her Department of Veterans Affairs claim, Lambie travelled to Canberra, paying $7000 for emergency surgery.

“They want us to fight for this country. You want us to have babies for the country. But you’re not interested in supporting our reproductive system,” she said.

Senator Jacqui Lambie breaks down in parliament.
Senator Jacqui Lambie breaks down in parliament. Credit: 7NEWS
She suffered a vaginal prolapse which she says is linked to injuries from the army.
She suffered a vaginal prolapse which she says is linked to injuries from the army. Credit: 7NEWS

Veterans are now facing a cap on health support, with Lambie’s fury directed at the men in charge.

“What would they do if their penis was hanging by a thread? Would they say, OK, no worries? I don’t really need my penis? I don’t think so,” she said.

“I’m begging you, Prime Minister. We are already suffering enough. Drop the bloody cap. Drop it, mate. It is so unfair.”

Vaginal prolapse, where organs protrude into the vagina, affects one in 12 Australian women. Mainly caused by childbirth, it’s also linked to heavy lifting.

“It’s not life-threatening, but it can cause a lot of quality of life symptoms for women,” gynaecologist Dr Anna Clare said.

She has pleaded for change.
She has pleaded for change. Credit: 7NEWS

The Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh has told 7NEWS the claims are determined by an independent board, but cases can be reviewed, promising to look after defence personnel “during their service and after their service”.

“Veterans have had enough. Leave us alone,” Lambie said.

Originally published on 7NEWS

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