Women with endometriosis targeted by sectarian groups

SECTS – ” Miviludes notes that women victims of endometriosis, an unknown and very painful disease, are today doubly targeted by sectarian groups. tweeted the Interministerial Mission for Vigilance and the Fight against Sectarian Aberrations (Miviludes) this Friday, November 18. According to its annual activity report published at the beginning of the month, non-traditional medicines must indeed be the subject of particular vigilance.

Women suffering from endometriosis, which affects nearly two million women and which is the first cause of infertility in France, would therefore be particularly victims of sectarian aberrations. “Medically, first, by charlatans who exploit their distress with ‘miraculous’ remedies, and above all very expensive. Spiritually, then, through the ‘sacred feminine’ and its diversion from feminism to mercantile ends”, develops Miviludes.

The report underlines a general evolution of the sectarian phenomenon, highlighting the multiplication of small structures in the fields of health, well-being and food. Unconventional therapies have developed in the context of the health crisis and “carry a significant public health risk”.

The report also notes the proliferation of “gurus 2.0”. “ They are isolated and autonomous manipulators who spread their doctrine on social networks. These new doctrines strongly affect the youngest – especially minors, very vulnerable – who are important users of social networks “, he underlines.

Alternative therapies

Nearly 70% of referrals in 2021 relating to health related to “unconventional healing practices such as naturopathy, reiki, new Germanic medicine, etc. ». According to a preliminary analysis of the ComPaRe study on endometriosis launched in 2019 by Marina Kvaskoff, epidemiologist at Inserm at the Paul-Brousse hospital in Villejuif, 80% of women with endometriosis who responded to the survey resorted at least once to an alternative practice such as osteopathy, yoga, meditation or sophrology.

Some of these non-drug practices have been authorized by the High Authority for Health (HAS) since 2017. They are also integrated into the therapeutic project for patients suffering from endometriosis in certain hospitals alongside so-called traditional medicine care. However, the High Authority insists: these therapies must not replace medical treatments and patients who choose them must inform their doctor.

A survey carried out by France Inter explains that it is the difficulty in diagnosing and relieving the disease, which is very painful, that pushes these women to consult all types of ” therapists “, who “ claim to treat endometriosis via fasting courses, rituals, or hypnosis sessions, sometimes by videoconference and at very high prices. »

” Some of them explain to women that they may be responsible for their illness, that they have a problem with their femininity, or that they are paying for a fault committed by a member of their family, or even one of their ancestors. “, is it developed in the investigation of our colleagues.

“Caring for the Feminine”

The investigation unit of French Radio has also investigated the subject and identified people who present themselves as endometriosis specialists and who offer services titled: Taking care of the feminine”, “endo well-being coach” or ” transform your life with endometriosis ». Services that have a price. On two sites, for example, there is a consultation at 110 euros and “ Six 45-minute appointments and unlimited discussions »for 450 euros.

These alternative therapies surf on the concept of ” sacred feminine “, a concept of personal development according to which women must reconnect with their divine nature, which has experienced significant growth for several years in France and around the world. What the Miviludes report confirms.

“Vigilance is required. Indeed, it is recommended that the deposition of the word related to a traumatic event is done with a professional who will be able to ensure the listening and the accompaniment of the person, indicates the report. However, during these courses, it is said that if a woman has painful periods, it is because she is not ‘in agreement with her deep nature as a woman’. In other words, she would be responsible for this suffering. »

The prices of these sessions are also judged ” very often exorbitant” by Miviludes. In conclusion, she states: This perpetual quest for harmony between body and mind, in other words for ultimate happiness, must be taken with great vigilance on the grounds that some women have found themselves isolated, suddenly breaking away from their family environment. »

Miviludes received 4,020 referrals in 2021, an increase of 33.6% compared to the previous year and nearly 50% compared to 2015.

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