In numerous respects, women’s healthcare has made significant strides over the past couple of centuries. When modern medicine first emerged in the United States, women were excluded from practicing it altogether. Although Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female doctor in America, graduated nearly 170 years ago, the journey toward equal representation has been slow. For instance, in the 1980s, only 21% of medical students were women; today, that number is just shy of 50%. Yet, female doctors still earn less than their male counterparts and are more likely to leave the profession. It’s hard to ignore the shadow of institutional patriarchy and misogyny that lingers in healthcare.
Many women can recount experiences with healthcare providers that reflect deep-seated gender bias. While there are certainly compassionate male doctors who respect and understand women’s issues, they often feel few and far between. Furthermore, female doctors, while perhaps more aware of the challenges women face, can still perpetuate the same biases that plague the medical community.
Misogyny’s influence on women’s healthcare is pervasive, and cataloging every instance would require extensive essays. Nevertheless, we can highlight some glaring examples of how misogyny has historically shaped—and continues to affect—women’s health.
The Husband Stitch
You may have heard of the “husband stitch,” a horrifying practice where a doctor adds extra stitches to a woman’s perineum after childbirth to supposedly enhance her husband’s sexual pleasure. This procedure not only disregards the woman’s comfort but also demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of female anatomy. Thankfully, discussions around this issue are increasing, thanks to courageous women who are sharing their experiences. To any healthcare provider who has engaged in this practice without consent, it’s time to rethink your methods.
Twilight Sleep
Let’s discuss “twilight sleep” during childbirth, a practice that remains etched in my memory since I first learned of it as a teen. Common from the early 1900s until the 50s and 60s, this method involved completely sedating women with morphine and scopolamine, leaving them partially conscious yet unable to control their actions. Many women reported distressing experiences, including hallucinations and physical restraints. This inhumane treatment raises questions about how misogyny still impacts childbirth practices today. Spoiler alert: it still does.
Routine Episiotomies
It’s infuriating when unnecessary medical procedures are performed on women, especially during the vulnerable moments of childbirth. The routine use of episiotomies—where a cut is made in the perineum to facilitate delivery—was prevalent in the 50s and 60s and persists in some hospitals today. Dr. John Ramirez, a maternal and fetal medicine expert, notes that many doctors continue this outdated practice for their convenience rather than the benefit of their patients. This is not just disappointing; it’s an outright manifestation of misogyny.
Research consistently shows that women’s pain complaints are often dismissed, and they frequently wait longer for treatment in emergency settings compared to men. Many women have stories of feeling unheard or disrespected by healthcare providers, raising the question of what must change.
However, a new generation is rising, ready to voice their experiences and say, “enough is enough.” It’s crucial for women to continue sharing their stories, shedding light on the misogyny they have faced in healthcare and beyond. We are done accepting the status quo; we will not tolerate this any longer.
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In summary, the healthcare system still grapples with the remnants of misogyny and gender bias. Women must unite to call for change, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in all aspects of healthcare.
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