In many respects, women’s healthcare has made significant strides over the last century. When modern medicine emerged in America, women were prohibited from practicing it. Although the first female doctor in the U.S., the remarkable Elizabeth Blackwell, graduated nearly 170 years ago, the journey toward gender equality in the medical field has been painfully slow. In the 1980s, just 21% of new medical graduates were women. Today, we are approaching parity at just under 50%, but female physicians continue to earn less than their male counterparts and are more likely to leave the profession altogether. The presence of institutional patriarchy and misogyny is evident.
Countless women can recount experiences with healthcare providers that reflect gender bias and misogyny. While there are undoubtedly male doctors who respect and understand women’s healthcare needs, finding such practitioners can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Female doctors, while sometimes perpetuating similar biases, at least share the lived experience of being women in a patriarchal world, making them more attuned to our challenges.
Misogyny’s impact on women’s health is deeply entrenched, and documenting every instance would require extensive writing. However, it is essential to highlight a few historical and contemporary examples that illustrate this ongoing issue.
The Husband Stitch
The so-called “husband stitch” is a term used to describe the practice where a doctor adds extra stitches to a woman’s perineum after childbirth, allegedly to enhance her partner’s sexual pleasure. This disturbing procedure is not only a gross violation of a woman’s autonomy but also medically misguided, as it does not effectively alter vaginal tightness and can lead to increased pain for women during postpartum intimacy. Despite its horror, the husband stitch is still performed today, with many women bravely sharing their experiences to bring it to light.
Twilight Sleep
Let’s also discuss “twilight sleep,” a practice prevalent from the early 1900s to the 1960s. At that time, most obstetricians were men, and their ignorance about childbirth led them to sedate women with a dangerous mix of morphine and scopolamine, effectively incapacitating them during labor. Though the goal was to block painful memories, many women reported being conscious yet unable to control their movements, often resulting in traumatic experiences. While this inhumane practice has been abandoned, its legacy lingers, raising questions about the treatment of women in childbirth today.
Routine Episiotomies
Routine episiotomies, once common in the 50s and 60s, are another example of unnecessary medical interventions that continue to affect women. Despite evidence showing that this procedure can cause more harm than good, it remains in use in certain hospitals. Dr. Samuel Greene, a maternal and fetal medicine specialist, notes that some doctors prefer this approach for their convenience rather than prioritizing women’s well-being. This attitude reflects a troubling trend of prioritizing medical efficiency over patient care, highlighting a blatant disregard for women’s experiences during childbirth.
Misogyny is not limited to specific practices; numerous studies indicate that women’s complaints about pain and health issues are often dismissed, and they frequently face longer wait times in emergency situations compared to men. These systemic biases are echoed in the personal stories of countless women who have felt unheard, disrespected, or even violated in healthcare settings.
However, a new generation of women is emerging, ready to challenge these injustices and assert their rights. It is crucial to share our stories and expose the misogyny that persists in healthcare and other aspects of life. We are no longer willing to tolerate such treatment.
For those seeking guidance on family planning and home insemination methods, resources like this article provide valuable information. Additionally, for those interested in at-home insemination techniques, you can explore this kit for further assistance and insights.
In conclusion, the fight against misogyny in women’s healthcare is far from over. By raising our voices and sharing our experiences, we can pave the way for a more equitable future in women’s health.