Jacqui Lambie has criticised a One Nation cartoon that mocks her vaginal prolapse, the latest in Pauline Hanson’s satirical ‘Please Explain’ series.
The cartoon shows a caricature of the Tasmanian senator joking about her condition, followed by a sound effect.
Lambie told the Senate in August that she had experienced a vaginal and bladder prolapse.
The army veteran underwent surgery and spent five months away from parliament.
She has said the condition is linked to back injuries sustained during her military service.
In a statement on Monday, Lambie said she had spoken publicly about her experience to support other women.
“Speaking openly is not an invitation to be mocked or degraded,” she said.
“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.”
“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.”
Speaking to WIN News at Hobart Airport on Monday, Hanson defended the cartoon as satire.
She said it may have helped raise awareness of the condition among women.
“Jacqui Lambie, get over it,” Hanson said. “It is actually satirical and I think she is taking it to heart, which she shouldn’t be.”
“Have a bit of a laugh, Jacqui – and lighten up.”
Several politicians have publicly backed Lambie, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who thanked her on Instagram for her “courage which will help others”.
A July report from Birth Trauma Australia estimated that about 407,000 Australians are affected by vaginal prolapse.
“One in two women who have had a baby experience some level of pelvic organ prolapse,” Lambie said.
“It is common and nobody should be embarrassed to talk about it.”
