Piatkus lands 'ground-breaking' Jackson polemic on women's healthcare

Piatkus has signed journalist Gabrielle Jackson’s “ground-breaking” polemic on the state of women’s healthcare.

Jillian Young, senior commissioning editor, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Maggie Thompson at Allen & Unwin. Pain and Prejudice: A Call to Arms for Women and their Bodies will be published on 14th November in trade paperback and e-book.

Jackson’s book was sparked by her Guardian investigation into endometriosis and the stories of women who got in touch to tell their own stories.

The synopsis explains: “What began as one issue led Jackson to explore how women – historically and through to the present day – are under-served by the systems that should keep them happy, healthy and informed about their bodies. The stark reality is that women's pain is not taken as seriously as men's. Women are more likely to be disbelieved and denied treatment than men, even though women are far more likely to be suffering from chronic pain.

“Pain and Prejudice is a vital testament to how social taboos and medical ignorance keep women sick and in anguish. In a potent blend of polemic and memoir, Jackson confronts the private concerns and questions women face regarding their health and medical treatment. Pain and Prejudice, finally, explains how we got here, and where we need to go next.”

Jackson explained: “Over the years I’ve been researching endometriosis and women’s pain. I’ve been in touch with women from Britain, France, Russia, the US, Canada, Germany, Armenia, Nepal, Argentina, Ireland - and more - and their stories have been frighteningly similar. Women all over the world are desperate for more information - for the information contained in my book. It doesn’t have all the answers, but my hope is that is starts a desperately needed conversation and gives many women and other people with female sex organs the courage to demand a better deal. Pain can be a lonely place; knowing you’re not alone can be life changing.”

Young added: “This is a ground-breaking book that needs to be read, re-read, shared and talked about by women and men everywhere. We are so proud to publish this significant investigation into women’s health.”