Four Corners Endometriosis Report,

February 2026

Statement from the Australian Endometriosis Coalition (ACE)

Following Four Corners: Scarred

February 2026

The Australian Endometriosis Coalition (ACE), Australia’s peak national coordination body for endometriosis and pelvic pain, acknowledges the recent Four Corners investigation Scarred. Investigations are ongoing. Due process must be respected.

The program raises serious concerns regarding surgical practice, clinical governance, oversight, and regulatory accountability within Australia’s health system. We acknowledge the profound harm described by patients and recognise the distress this reporting will cause across our community. No one seeking care for persistent pelvic pain should feel unheard, unsafe, or without clear, evidence-based options.At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the many clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals, and health services across Australia who are working tirelessly to provide ethical, multidisciplinary, evidence-based care for people living with endometriosis and pelvic pain. The vast majority of practitioners are committed to doing the right thing within a complex and often fragmented system.

This moment is not about undermining an entire profession. It is about strengthening systems for Australians.

Persistent pelvic pain is complex. If care conversations focus only on surgery, the full picture of pain may not be being considered.Pelvic pain can involve multiple overlapping contributors including endometriosis lesions, pelvic floor dysfunction, central sensitisation, bladder and bowel conditions, musculoskeletal factors, and the cumulative impacts of repeated pain.

For many individuals, the most appropriate care is team-based care. A coordinated, multidisciplinary approach may include:

  • A pelvic pain-informed GP

  • Specialist gynaecology input

  • Pelvic floor physiotherapy

  • Contemporary pain education

  • Psychology supports where appropriate

  • And surgery — when genuinely indicated — as one component of a broader plan

Surgery has a legitimate and important role in endometriosis care. The question is not whether surgery is valid. The question is whether national systems ensure that surgery is:

  • Clinically indicated and proportionate

  • Delivered within defined scope and competency standards

  • Supported by multidisciplinary assessment in complex cases

  • Accompanied by transparent operative and pathology reporting

  • Monitored through robust data collection and quality assurance

  • Embedded within strong regulatory and governance frameworks

The Four Corners investigation highlights what can occur when systems fail to provide adequate oversight and coordinated care pathways. As the national peak body, ACE has consistently called for:

  • Clear national frameworks for advanced endometriosis surgery

  • Multidisciplinary models embedded as standard practice

  • Defined workforce competencies and scope of practice alignment

  • Standardised reporting and pathology transparency

  • National data collection to monitor outcomes and variation in care

  • Stronger clinical governance and regulatory coordination

Endometriosis affects 1 in 7 Australians assigned female at birth. It represents one of the most significant chronic disease burdens for people of reproductive age. Yet care pathways remain inconsistent across states and regions. This moment must be used constructively. We urge governments, regulators, professional colleges, Primary Health Networks, and health services to treat this as an opportunity to accelerate national reform — strengthening governance, supporting high-quality clinicians, and protecting patients.

People living with persistent pelvic pain and the health care teams supporting patients deserve:

  • Evidence-based options

  • Real and informed choice

  • Respectful, trauma-informed care

  • Nationally aligned standards

  • Systems that prioritise safety and accountability

Australia has many dedicated professionals striving to improve care. They deserve clear frameworks. Patients deserve systems that work.

This must be a turning point for coordinated national reform in endometriosis and pelvic pain care.

Australian Endometriosis Coalition (ACE)

For further information:

www.endometriosiscoalition.org.au

Media enquiries:

hello@endocoalition.org.au

About the Endometriosis Coalition

The Endometriosis Coalition is Australia’s peak body for endometriosis and pelvic pain, representing patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocacy organisation’s. The Coalition drives national collaboration, policy change, and research investment to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for the 1 in 7 Australians living with endometriosis and pelvic pain. Through partnerships with health professionals, government, and community organisations, the Endometriosis Coalition empowers those affected and works toward systemic change.


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