HOC’s Commitment to Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders: A Call for Equality in Care

As we approach World Hemophilia Day on April 17th, 2025, the global bleeding disorders community is coming together to raise awareness and advocate for change. This year’s theme, “Access for all: Women and girls bleed too”, shines a much-needed spotlight on a critical issue: women and girls with bleeding disorders (WGBDs) are often underdiagnosed and underserved.

At HOC, we’re proud to be part of the effort to address this disparity. We’re working to ensure that women and girls receive the recognition, care, and treatment they deserve, helping to improve their quality of life and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive bleeding disorders community.

The Challenge: Women and Girls with Bleeding Disorders

Historically, bleeding disorders like hemophilia have been thought of as conditions that mainly affect men. This perception has led to a lack of awareness and research focused on how bleeding disorders affect women and girls.

Women and girls can have bleeding disorders too, but because they typically have milder symptoms and are often misdiagnosed or overlooked, their needs are often unmet. The fact is, women and girls with bleeding disorders can experience the same challenges as men, including prolonged bleeding, joint damage, and complications from untreated conditions.

In many parts of the world, diagnosis delays for women and girls are common. They often don’t receive a diagnosis until later in life, which can lead to more significant health issues. Moreover, treatment options may not always be tailored to their specific needs, leaving them without the comprehensive care they require.

HOC’s Role in Creating Change

At HOC, we recognize the importance of providing care that’s tailored to the unique needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders. We are committed to raising awareness about the specific challenges that women face, ensuring that gender doesn’t determine care.

Our team works hard to improve diagnosis and treatment by:

• Offering specialized care and guidance to women and girls with bleeding disorders.
• Collaborating with medical professionals and researchers to increase awareness of how bleeding disorders affect women.
• Advocating for better access to treatments that address the unique needs of female patients.
• Providing educational resources and support networks for women and girls with bleeding disorders to ensure they have the tools to manage their condition effectively.
• Providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care through our dedicated Menorrhagia Clinic, where gynecologists, hematologists, physical therapists, and genetic counselors work together to address the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of heavy menstrual bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders.

A Global Effort for Equality in Care

This World Hemophilia Day, we join the global community in a call to action for improved recognition, diagnosis, and care for women and girls with bleeding disorders. The message is clear: Access for all means access for everyone, regardless of gender.

By raising awareness about this issue, we aim to ensure that women and girls receive the same level of care, treatment, and research attention as men. This is critical not only for improving their health outcomes but also for strengthening the entire bleeding disorders community.

The Road Ahead

While there is still much work to be done, HOC is proud to be part of the movement toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all individuals with bleeding disorders. We are committed to helping close the gap in care and ensuring that women and girls have the support they need to lead healthier, fuller lives.

As we celebrate World Hemophilia Day, we call on the global bleeding disorders community to join us in this effort. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they deserve, regardless of gender.

Let’s continue advocating for a world where no one is left behind—where all individuals with bleeding disorders have equal access to the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment they need.

Get Involved

We invite you to join us in raising awareness and advocating for change this World Hemophilia Day. By supporting women and girls with bleeding disorders, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and strengthen the global community.