After Fertility Loss, Care Barriers Remain For Women With Endometriosis, Says Local Woman

Friday, 23 January 2026 14:36

By Martin Osborne

Speaking on Kildare Today, Ms Whelan said she learned last July that the condition had left her unable to have children.

A Kildare woman who is travelling to Greece for endometriosis surgery was among those protesting outside the Dáil over gaps in care.

33-year-old Ciara Whelan from Kildare Town says she is funding the €11,500 procedure herself, after being diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis.

She is due to undergo surgery in April.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Ms Whelan said she learned last July that the condition had left her unable to have children.

While a new State scheme offers upfront payments for surgery abroad, the Greek clinic she is attending is not included, meaning patients must pay upfront and seek reimbursement under EU rules.

Ciara has set up a Go Fund Me to help raise money towards her medical bills and travel expenses. Donations can be made via https://gofund.me/b332edcf7

Ms Whelan said restrictions around referrals and clinic eligibility are leaving women with limited options and long delays in accessing care.

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