Petition · past parliament
Change the name of the smear test to change the way its viewed.
Rejected
19 signatures
What the petition asks
Change the name of the PAP smear test to something 'nicer' and a word with less stigma attached. Even just giving women an understood code word when booking with a receptionist would help.
Women are encouraged to book a smear test on the regular basis we are called upon when we reach a certain age.
It has such a sigma attached to it, women are embarrassed by it, even the word itself isn't inviting - especially when you're saying it loudly down a crackly phoneline or in a busy reception area trying to book an appointment.
Although this won't solve all the issues with women being too embarrassed or afraid to book, I feel making the first step a little more pleasant might help.
It has such a sigma attached to it, women are embarrassed by it, even the word itself isn't inviting - especially when you're saying it loudly down a crackly phoneline or in a busy reception area trying to book an appointment.
Although this won't solve all the issues with women being too embarrassed or afraid to book, I feel making the first step a little more pleasant might help.
Why it was rejected
It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.
Petitions must call for a specific action that the UK Government or Parliament are directly responsible for.
The Government is not responsible for how people refer to cervical screening.
The Government is not responsible for how people refer to cervical screening.
Timeline
| 8 Nov 2021 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 15 Nov 2021 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
19
Status
Rejected
Rejected
15 Nov 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.