On 13 June 2005, MEPs have supported the European Parliamentary Written Declaration on Endometriosis seeking a significant increase in funds and awareness in the EU for endometriosis.

The declaration calls for:
 Member States’ governments to support awareness-raising activities by national organisations, including information campaigns targeting the public, health professionals, and legislators;
 Inclusion of prevention of endometriosis in future Community Action Programmes for Public Health;
 More basic research into the cause, prevention and treatment of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a painful, chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found elsewhere in the body, primarily in the abdominal cavity, resulting in lesions, cysts, and adhesions, which lead to inflammation, pain, infertility and other medical problems. Endometriosis affects an estimated 14 million women and girls in Europe alone and millions more world wide, and among suspected causes are environmental factors.

Some studies have pointed to environmental factors as contributors to the development of endometriosis, specifically related to the way toxins in the environment have an effect on the reproductive hormones and immune system response, though this theory has not been proven and remains controversial.

Endometriosis is costing the EU an estimated €30 billion annually in lost days at work due to the impact of the disease.

 Endometriosis alliance website