Independent senator Jacqui Lambie has hit back at Pauline Hanson’s One Nation after the party released a cartoon mocking her vaginal prolapse, declaring she is “not ashamed” of her condition and will continue speaking out about women’s health.
In a lengthy statement shared on Instagram on Monday, the Tasmanian senator condemned the cartoon, accusing One Nation of making light of the medical struggles experienced by millions of women.
“By making this cartoon, One Nation didn’t just make light of my own medical struggles, but those of so many other women who have experienced reproductive health issues,” Senator Lambie said.
“I spoke about my own battle in Parliament, not to get sympathy as One Nation may suggest, but to let other women know they are not alone.”
The controversy erupted after One Nation released a video as part of its Please Explain cartoon series, depicting Senator Lambie coughing in a scene implying she was experiencing a prolapse.
Senator Lambie revealed in an emotional Senate speech in August that she had suffered vaginal and bladder prolapse linked to her military service, requiring intensive surgery and five months away from Parliament.
The former soldier said she had chosen to speak publicly about the condition to encourage other women to seek help.
“Unfortunately, even in this day and age, there is still so much stigma attached to the word vagina and female reproductive health,” she said.
“That shame and embarrassment can lead to women putting off getting help for too long.”
Senator Lambie also addressed suggestions that discussing her condition publicly had made her a legitimate target for ridicule.
“I’ve also seen commentary saying that because I spoke publicly about my health, it’s now ‘fair game’,” she said.
“No. Speaking openly is not an invitation to be mocked or degraded. We should be encouraging these conversations so people feel comfortable seeking help.”
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The senator insisted she would not be silenced by the controversy.
“I am not ashamed of my vaginal prolapse and I will keep speaking about the gap between women’s and men’s healthcare in this country until I see meaningful change,” she said.
“I want every Australian woman to know they should never be ashamed to talk about their own health issues, especially when it comes to their reproductive system.”
She ended her statement with a defiant message: “Once again, say it loud and say it proud. VAGINA.💛”
The senator also highlighted her Vagina Collection, which includes mugs and tote bags, with $5 from every sale donated to women’s health research at the Hudson Institute.
The institute said pelvic organ prolapse affects one in four Australian women and can go undetected for years after childbirth.
“Currently there is no reliable cure for pelvic organ prolapse,” the Hudson Institute said, adding that researchers were working to develop safe and effective treatment options.
Professor Anna Rosamilia, a urogynaecologist and head of the Pelvic Floor Unit at Monash Health, praised Senator Lambie for sharing her experience.
“We are very grateful to Jacqui for sharing her personal story as it reduces stigma and may lead to others seeking help,” she said.
“It’s common; it’s not normal.”
Independent MP Monique Ryan, a medical doctor, also criticised the cartoon, describing Senator Lambie’s decision to speak openly about her condition as courageous.
“Jacqui Lambie has shown courage and honesty in speaking of her experience of vaginal prolapse,” she posted to X, noting the condition affects about one in 12 women at some point in their lives.
“It’s uncomfortable, and it’s debilitating,” Dr Ryan said.
Liberal MP Tim Wilson also condemned the cartoon, describing the decision to mock someone’s medical condition as “despicable”.
“I haven’t seen this cartoon, but the idea that you would mock somebody for their health condition is despicable and really reveals the true character of One Nation,” he said.
“And their focus is not on the Australian people.”
Science Minister Tim Ayres also defended Senator Lambie, telling Nine that tens of thousands of women battle the condition and it should not be mocked.