Shortages of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Treatments

That this House notes with concern the continuing shortage of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatment to alleviate severe symptoms of the menopause and is alarmed that many women have been affected by shortages for over a year; further notes that this is also affecting hormonal contraceptive supplies which could lead to a rise in unplanned pregnancies and abortions; believes that all women have a right to uninhibited access to HRT medication and products and that this access must not be held back by market forces; welcomes the Government's work with suppliers and stakeholders to reintroduce 70 per cent of HRT products back on the market by 2020 February; is disappointed that a number of HRT medications and contraceptives remain unavailable and may remain so until the end of the year if not longer; and calls upon the Government to address this issue as a matter of urgency and set up an expert working group to investigate the reasons for the continuing shortages.