I am writing today to gather my thoughts on the current socio-political climate, the #metoo movement, and current regulations/costs of women’s health. I ramble on as both aging woman and health care provider.
Working for years inside a catholic health system I came into contact with the frustrating attempt to obtain healthcare for my patients and myself in the forms of simpler procedures like tubal-ligations, oral contraceptives, etc. The governing of women’s healthcare in both primary and acute care has been ongoing not only in the U.S. but globally. However, we have made strides. Tubal ligations are now allowed by many of these health systems and you can get oral contraceptives from the health-care providers that work for these institutions, more being covered now by insurance.
On the flip side, we have the worst maternal and infant mortality in westernized countries and I cannot help but believe it falls back on two things: Our lack of care and responsibility for helping meet the basic needs of one another and the marginalization of women. This combined with racial disparities in care (including, but not limited to and highlighted in, maternal and infant mortality). All of these come together for the perfect storm of current poor healthcare statistics and create a clear message to women that they carry forward in their own healthcare interactions, or lack there of. These points are such a contrast from the mantra of all life is precious, but then smack of… “only when I don’t have to care or pay for anyone/anything else”, and the resounding “it is always the woman’s fault”, “She should have kept her legs shut” mentality. Shame. Guilt. Blame. Its how we view sexuality and women’s health.
Let me say that these dueling controlling concepts have bled over into care of the aging woman. Aging women have been shamed and often do not speak of their own sexuality. They do not ask questions. They do not go to see our OBGYN if its not time for an annual screening, or better yet after hysterectomy we like to disappear entirely. When we do speak out, often with anger and years of resentment, then we are demeaned for that. We don’t know things. How many times as any primary care healthcare provider discussed more than simply risks of pregnancy or STD/STI with their female patients in regards to sex? Have they ever even asked a patient has been touched inappropriately, assaulted, raped? How would such knowledge change the care and trust-base between providers and patients? Has your healthcare provider ever asked whether you have ever orgasmed? What worked for you? Or what questions you have regarding sex, sexuality, sexual comfort/pleasure/science?
Health care providers, regardless of our opinion on when human life begins, should embrace the #metoo movement in our own practices and bring women’s healthcare out of the closet. Further, we should become the people our patient’s can trust to talk to about anything. Better dialog and trust is the best way to begin to tackle the women’s health statistics/issues we have in the U.S. Communicate. Be honest. No more judgement. Together(patient and provider), we can improve women’s quality of life and healthcare outcomes.
Lavender Buddha 