Campaigning
Women's health campaign
The Women’s health taskforce has been set up by SIA to address health issues faced by women with spinal cord injury.
The importance of women’s health for women with spinal cord injury
Women’s health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and it becomes even more essential for women with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Our women’s health campaign aims to highlight the unique challenges faced by these women and advocate for better healthcare solutions. Here are some key points to consider:
Limited access to breast screening equipment
One significant issue is the limited access to breast screening equipment. Traditional mammography machines often require women to stand or position themselves in ways that are not feasible for wheelchair users. This limitation can lead to delayed or missed breast cancer screenings, which are crucial for early detection and treatment.
Inspection platforms in Doctor’s surgeries
Another challenge is the inadequate inspection platforms in many doctor’s surgeries. These platforms are often fixed at a height that makes it difficult for wheelchair users to transfer onto them. This can result in incomplete or less thorough examinations, potentially missing critical health issues.
Additional challenges and considerations
Beyond these specific issues, women with SCI face a range of other health challenges:
Sexual and Reproductive health: Women with SCI often experience sexual dysfunction and may have limited access to sexual health education and resources. This can impact their overall quality of life and relationships.
Mental health: The psychological impact of living with SCI can be profound, leading to higher rates of depression and anxiety. Access to mental health support is crucial.
Advocacy and solutions
We are working to address these issues through advocacy and education. By raising awareness of the unique health needs of women with SCI, we aim to improve access to appropriate healthcare services and equipment. This includes advocating for more accessible breast screening options and adjustable inspection platforms in medical facilities.
Government activity
Read the transcripts of any questions and responses from the government on the link below:

Spinal Injuries Association Parliamentary event March 2024
Taskforce members
Helen Grant is the Conservative MP for Maidstone and Malling, and has been an MP continually since 6 May 2010.
Helen Morgan is the Liberal Democrat MP for North Shropshire, and has been an MP continually since 16 December 2021.
Gill Furniss is the Labour MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough, and has been an MP continually since 5 May 2016.
Baroness Hollins. Sheila Clare Hollins is a current member of the House of Lords.
Dani Watts sustained a spinal cord injury in 2017 playing Rugby.
Jane Hudson sustained a spinal cord injury after a cycling accident.
Debbie Green is a specialist nurse working for SIA.
Dharshana Sridhar is the campaigns manager for SIA.
Petition: Provide funding to support Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening for Disabled Women
In January 2025 the SIA campaigns team launched their latest petition. We want the government to increase funding to ensure every facility is properly equipped to provide equal care. All women, regardless of disability, should be able to access cancer screenings without fear of exclusion, humiliation, or inadequate care.
Women with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, can face significant barriers in accessing breast screening and smear tests due to a lack of accessible equipment in many medical facilities across the UK. We believe this violates the Equality Act 2010 and perpetuates health inequalities. A 2021 study found that 63% of disabled women had difficulty accessing routine screenings and another study showed almost two thirds of women with a physical disability had not been able to attend smear tests.
SIGN THE PETITION * Deadline for signatures: 20 July 2025 *
Mammograms
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. About 12,000 women in the UK die from breast cancer every year. Screening saves about one life for every 200 women screened because of its early detection of breast cancer.
All attempts are made to try and perform mammography on every eligible client but sometimes because of the lack of upper body strength of the client it is simply not possible to position a woman safely and either mammograms cannot be performed at all or they only image part of the breast and are therefore not of diagnostic quality.
Four years ago I was unable to have my first mammogram due to my limited mobility linked to a spinal injury. Later that year I was diagnosed with breast cancer, had I been able to have a mammogram it would have been picked up earlier (Jane Hudson)
The use of technology is vital and we recently visited York University (pictured) to observe a prototype robotic arm in action:
BREAST CANCER SCREENING SOLUTIONS
In the news
- Dani Watts one of our taskforce members spoke about SIA’s women’s health campaign on BBC Radio Berkshire: Listen again.
- Another of our taskforce members, Jane Hudson has been busy raising awareness of breast cancer issues for women who are unable to use a mammogram machine if they cannot stand.
Paralysed women inspires mammogram robot
New study to create assistance robots in breast screening
Accessible breast screening for all – Cancer Research UK

Jane Hudson © BBC
Media and PR
If you see anything in the news regarding this campaign please get in touch with our media team. Email: [email protected]