Myles Mazzara
Several studies show that women are underrepresented in medical research. Historically, drugs and other medicines have been tested almost exclusively on men, and the potential adverse effects it may have on women in particular are completely undocumented. The fact these effects are undocumented can lead to confusion and disorientation in patients.
There is also a lack of research on issues specific to those with uteruses, such as endometriosis and ovarian cancer. The absence of this information leads to misdiagnosis and improper treatment and can lead to long-term damage or even death.
There is also the pervasive issue of the constant dismissal of concerns women (and those perceived as such) express due to ignorance, which stems from the systemic idea that women are uninformed and hysterical (the word “hysterectomy” stems from the word “hysteria”).
The following email was sent to physicians and health clinics in Kingston to spread awareness about these issues. The information shared was collected through an anonymous google form shared with KSS students and the broader community.
Dear _______,
I am a senior student from Kingston Secondary School, and recently I began to research misogyny in healthcare spaces for my social justice class. I printed and scattered posters around my community containing a QR code to a google form, encouraging people to share their stories. I would like to share my findings in hopes to enact change.
A diverse group of people participated in the form: Some were disabled, some were transgender, and the majority of people were young (aged 12-18). There were several different barriers people experienced in healthcare spaces, as well. 50% of people reported misogyny regarding reproductive care such as abortion access, 50% also reported misdiagnosis. 25% of respondents recalled misogynistic comments, 75% shared that they faced ignorance, and 100% of people shared that their concerns or symptoms had been avidly dismissed.
This data collected showcases a rather concerning trend, but, through my research, I’ve come to understand why this is. Misogyny is a systemic issue, and is one of the issues that has managed to stand the test of time. Feminist movements have helped to dismantle social barriers for women, but the systemic ones have gone long unchecked.
I will leave the rest of this to you, and encourage you to help eradicate misogyny in healthcare however that may be. Some examples may be: advocating for increased funding for ailments that affect women specifically; educating your friends, family, coworkers, employees, etc. about misogyny in healthcare; and promoting inclusivity.
Here is a helpful resource, if you need it:
https://www.dcontario.org/breaking-down-barriers-in-womens-healthcare/ (Distress and Crisis Ontario)
Thank you for your time.”
Feel free to draft your own version of this letter and send it to those in your community as well!
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