In the realm of women’s health care, we’ve seen some progress over the last century, but the shadows of misogyny still loom large. When modern medicine took root in America, women were barred from practicing, and while trailblazers like the remarkable Grace Thompson broke barriers nearly 170 years ago, the journey toward gender equality in this field has been painfully slow.
Fast forward to the 1980s, and only 21% of new doctors were women. Today, that figure has climbed to just under 50%. However, even with this representation, female doctors often face lower pay and higher dropout rates. Is anyone else sensing the lingering presence of institutional patriarchy and gender bias?
Many women can recount experiences with healthcare providers that reek of misogyny. While there are certainly male doctors who respect and advocate for women’s rights and health, encountering one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Female physicians, while not immune to gender biases, may at least possess personal insight into the challenges women face in a patriarchal society.
The roots of misogyny in women’s healthcare are deeply entrenched, and documenting every instance would require several lengthy essays. However, let’s explore a few historical and contemporary examples that illustrate how misogyny continues to shape women’s health care.
The Husband Stitch
You’ve likely heard of the “husband stitch,” a horrifying practice where a doctor adds extra stitches after childbirth to tighten the vagina for her partner’s pleasure. This barbaric act is not only based on a fundamental misunderstanding of female anatomy but can also lead to significant pain during postpartum intimacy. Shockingly, this practice still occurs today, and brave women are beginning to share their stories, shedding light on this issue. Anyone who has performed this procedure without informed consent deserves a resounding condemnation.
Twilight Sleep
Let’s also discuss “twilight sleep,” a practice that prevailed from the early 1900s until the 60s. With a predominance of male obstetricians at the time, many women were sedated with a mix of morphine and scopolamine during childbirth, leaving them half-conscious and often experiencing distressing sensations without any memory of the event. Reports of women thrashing and requiring physical restraint during childbirth are alarming and reminiscent of horror films. While this practice has been largely abandoned, its legacy still casts a shadow over childbirth experiences today.
Routine Episiotomies
It’s infuriating to think about unnecessary medical procedures inflicted on women, particularly during childbirth. Routine episiotomies—where a cut is made in the perineum to facilitate delivery—were once commonplace. Despite evidence showing that this practice can cause more harm than good, it is still performed in some hospitals today. Dr. Samuel Greene, a maternal and fetal medicine expert at a hospital in New York, notes that some practitioners cling to outdated methods for their convenience rather than prioritizing patient well-being. This is not just disappointing; it’s a direct manifestation of misogyny.
Patriarchy continues to thrive in women’s healthcare. Studies reveal that women’s complaints about pain are often dismissed, and they frequently experience delays in emergency care compared to men. Countless women have faced situations where their concerns were ignored, procedures were conducted without their consent, or their bodies were disrespected.
However, we are witnessing a new generation of women who are unafraid to voice their experiences and say #MeToo. Sharing our stories is crucial for dismantling the pervasive misogyny in healthcare and beyond. We are done accepting the status quo.
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In summary, while we’ve made strides in women’s healthcare, the remnants of misogyny persist. It’s essential to elevate our voices and advocate for change. Together, we can dismantle harmful practices and ensure our health needs are respected.
Keyphrase: Misogyny in Women’s Healthcare
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