Amber’s Law takes a big step forward
Amber’s Law could be made a reality after Prime Minister Theresa May said the Government would take a new look at the age restrictions on cervical smear checks.
The campaign launched by the Ashbrooke woman’s family in the wake of her death last January has urged for a rethink on the rules so that woman under 25 who go to their GP with symptoms of cervical cancer can under go a test.
Amber, who worked for Gentoo, had been declined a check by her GP and by the time she paid for one privately, her cancer had spread.
Today, Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott spoke at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) about Amber’s case and has asked the Government to reconsider the guidelines and spoke of how Amber had visited her doctor more than 30 times over concerns about symptoms she was experiencing.
Now Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will be asked to take a fresh look at the issue, as the Prime Minister urged women to keep up with their check and acknowledged questions have been raised about the scheme.
The questions come as Cervical Cancer Prevention Week is under way, which has been backed by Amber’s family.
In reply to Ms Elliott’s request for a change in the rules, Mrs May said: “I send my condolences and I’m sure the whole house does to Amber’s family for this terrible thing that has happened.
“The smear test is hugely important. Sadly what we see is as far as those who qualify today to have their smear test, is that too many women do not take it up.
“I know it’s not comfortable to do because I have as others do, but it is so important for women’s health and I first of all want to encourage women to actually take that test.
“Secondly, the question is raised about the availability of that test and I will ask my Right Honourable friend, the Secretary of State for Health, to look at this issue.
“It is a question that has been raised before for those who are aged under 25.
“We need to address this issue and that is one possibility and we will look at that question of the age qualification for the smear test, but overall, the message is, please, those called for their smear test, go to have it.”
Darren Cliff, Amber’s father, said; “We will keep pushing.
“It’s been a big day for the campaign today to get what we want.”
Following the session in Parliament, Ms Elliott said: “I hope the Prime Minister will look at introducing Amber’s Law so that what happened to Amber doesn’t happen to any more young women.”
More information can be found via the Amber’s Law Facebook and Twitter account @Ambers_Law, as well as Instagram.