Healthcare must enable patient self advocacy rather than rely on it (BMJ, 22 July 2026)

Summary

Relying on patients to advocate for themselves will widen inequalities in gynaecological care, writes Stephanie O’Donohue in this BMJ opinion piece.

Self advocacy is often framed as empowerment, a positive act, a sign of confidence, or a way for patients to take control of their care. But many people don’t self advocate because they feel empowered, they do it because experience has taught them they must. We need to critically examine why healthcare systems often require patients to be assertive about their care and be honest about the toll of this expectation.