Jacqui Lambie has spoken out about vaginal prolapse. What is it – and how common is it?

Tasmanian independent senator Jacqui Lambie has criticized a One Nation cartoon that used her vaginal prolapse as a punchline. Lambie described the content in Pauline Hanson's "Please Explain" series as full of hatred and spitefulness, telling ABC's Radio National that decent leaders do not stir up hatred. While she is not demanding the video be removed, she called on those surrounding Senator Hanson, particularly the men, to ask for its immediate removal.

Lambie previously shared details of her health struggles during an emotional Senate speech in August, noting that she suffered from both vaginal and bladder prolapse. The condition required surgery and five months of leave from parliament. The Guardian Australia reported that Lambie has also highlighted the financial burdens military veterans can face when trying to access treatment for the condition.

Other politicians, including Labor members, crossbenchers, and independent senator Monique Ryan, have expressed support for Lambie. Dr. Sarah White, chief executive of the nonprofit Jean Hailes, stated that mocking a health condition like vaginal prolapse is "absolutely not OK." The Guardian Australia noted that the condition affects almost 50% of women who have been pregnant, though it remains stigmatized.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia, The Guardian, ABC News AU — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.