Petitions/Make Post Partum Diastasis Recti repair (abdominoplasty) available via NHS
StatusOngoing
Opened27 Mar 2026
Closes
Government response
Parliamentary debateNot eligible
Milestones

At the moment this procedure is seen as cosmetic so usually not covered by insurance or offered via NHS unless herniation occurs. A criteria should be introduced where if treatment offered has not resolved the issue, surgery should be offered via the NHS.

I myself have been pregnant 3 times. The first two pregnancies I incurred the condition but with physio was able to heal adequately. My 3rd pregnancy (twins), it was just too much and now have a 6cm muscle separation which will not heal. This is causing daily pain - stomach, hips, back - exercise is difficult. Taking care of my children, my husband has to do heavy lifting and daily chores as I have no core. My medical insurance will not cover as it's considered cosmetic. There is no resolution.

10,000
100,000

Constituency engagement ranking

Jim Shannon
1Jim Shannon MP
Strangford
18
Chris Hazzard
2Chris Hazzard MP
South Down
12
Claire Hanna
3Claire Hanna MP
Belfast South and Mid Down
3
Paul Maskey
4Paul Maskey MP
Belfast West
3
Dáire Hughes
5Dáire Hughes MP
Newry and Armagh
3
Gavin Robinson
6Gavin Robinson MP
Belfast East
2
John Finucane
7John Finucane MP
Belfast North
2
Mr Gregory Campbell
8Mr Gregory Campbell MP
East Londonderry
2
Jim Allister
9Jim Allister MP
North Antrim
2
Sir Lindsay Hoyle
10Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP
Chorley
1