On April 15, a trans woman resigned as a volunteer advisor for a Portsmouth-based women’s health charity after facing criticism from a local MP over her eligibility to speak on female-specific health issues.
The charity appointed her to advise on cervical cancer awareness
The Portsmouth Women’s Health Support Group had invited the individual, who identifies as a trans woman, to contribute to its cervical cancer outreach programme in January. Her role involved sharing personal experience to encourage screening attendance among women aged 25 to 64. The charity stated her input was valued for its relatability in community engagement efforts.
The MP questioned her appointment in a formal letter
In March, the MP for Portsmouth South wrote to the charity asserting it was “remarkable” that an organisation advocating for women’s health would appoint someone “without female anatomy or experience of this disease” to represent those affected. The letter argued that lived experience of female biology is essential for credible advocacy on sex-specific conditions like cervical cancer.
The volunteer stepped down to avoid diverting focus from the cause
In her resignation message, the advisor said she left to prevent the debate from overshadowing the charity’s mission to increase early detection rates. She affirmed her support for the organisation’s goals and expressed regret that her involvement had become a distraction. The charity confirmed her departure and thanked her for her voluntary contribution.
Why did the MP challenge her appointment?
The MP argued that advising on women’s health requires direct experience of female anatomy and the diseases that affect it, which a trans woman cannot have.
What was the charity’s response to the resignation?
The charity accepted her resignation, acknowledged her voluntary work, and stated it remains committed to its mission of improving women’s health outcomes in the local community.
