Book Review : Medical Bondage - Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology

 

When I first heard about the book  Medical Bondage - Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology by Deidre Cooper Owens I added it to my Goodreads list.  I borrowed a copy and finished reading it a few days ago. I highly recommend this book.  It is not an easy book to read. It will make you feel uncomfortable but it is important to understand the issues Black women had in the past being treated and experimented on without any say as to how and what was being done. There was no consent given although in 1833 Beaumont wrote that "consent of the subject is necessary".

The accomplishments of Drs. Mettauer, Sims, Bozeman and others are well known but the fact that  their work was done on women who were poor ,vulnerable, enslaved women or  poor "Blackish" women, such as female Irish immigrants has only been discussed during the past few years.  While women during the 19th century were thought to be "inferior",  Black women were thought to have enhanced reproductive successes and could endure more pain. Scientific racism existed as procedures were done on enslaved women whose owners allowed the procedures or were leased to doctors,  in order to learn how to treat similar conditions in White women.

As I read the book  I thought of the pain I experienced after surgery for ovarian cancer even with access to  pain medications. Imagine going through procedures like ovary removal or fistula repair without being asked, without anesthesia and unclothed. How could the physicians like Sims write about his patient, Lucy, being in agony after a procedure and still think Black women were impervious to pain? I urge you to  read this book. 

I gave this book 4 stars.

Dee

Every day is a Blessing!

 

Aren't We All "Women Rowing North" - a Book Review

A few weeks ago, I ran across a book online whose title peaked my interest. I added it to my Goodreads list and put a hold on the book at my local library. Last week I picked it up from the library and read it in 5 days. Women Rowing North - Navigating Life's Currents and Flourishing As We Age by Mary Pipher focuses on women who are older but as I read it I found parts that also can apply to women who are facing any challenge - a cancer diagnosis, the loss of a child, divorce etc.

After reading a few chapters I started keeping track of advice and quotes that touched something in my heart and mind. Here are my favorites:

"with age we experience less anger and anxiety. I suspect that can not be because we have less tragedy but rather because we have better coping skills."

"We can feel helpless at times…However we can move toward acceptance and resilience.Our tragedies can teach us to trust and connect us to others."

"Friendship is really not a noun but a verb. Relationships of any kind require attention, energy and time"

"Activism is complicated. …All Activists need to set limits or we can become exhausted and burned out."

 "Women can find ways to be connected and useful"

"grandmothering is complicated. Grandmothering requires great diplomatic skills and self-discipline."

"The culture shapes us and we shape it. As our bodies grow old we must find new ways to stay engaged and empowered. … Let’s push out into the current and row."

In the past almost 14 years as an ovarian cancer survivor I have found that cancer changed me. I have grown , learned and engaged with others. This book has something to offer women in every walk of life and I highly recommend it. 

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!

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