Mothers of Gynecology: Honoring the Enslaved Women Exploited in the Name of Medical Progress
The Forgotten Victims of Medical Racism
In the mid-1800s, a group of enslaved women known as the “Mothers of Gynecology” endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of Dr. J. Marion Sims, a white doctor who experimented on them without their consent. These women, including Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy, were subjected to painful and degrading surgeries without anesthesia or pain relief.
Sims’ Cruel Experiments
Sims believed that Black people could withstand higher levels of pain, a racist myth that has persisted to this day. He repeatedly operated on these women, often repeating the same procedures over and over again, in a bid to perfect his surgical techniques. Anarcha alone endured at least 30 of Sims’ surgeries.
A History of Exploitation
Sims was not the only white doctor to exploit enslaved women for medical research. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many enslaved women were subjected to forced medical examinations and experiments, often without their knowledge or consent. These experiments contributed to the development of medical knowledge, but they came at a great cost to the women who were subjected to them.
The Racial Disparities in Healthcare
The legacy of medical racism continues to impact Black women’s health today. Black mothers are more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications, be uninsured, and give birth at hospitals with lower-quality maternal care. These disparities are rooted in the history of slavery and the systemic racism that has shaped the medical profession.
Honoring the Mothers of Gynecology
In 2019, a monument was unveiled in Montgomery, Alabama, to honor the Mothers of Gynecology. The monument, created by artist Michelle Browder, depicts three larger-than-life statues of Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy. The statues incorporate meaningful symbolism, such as an empty womb and sharp objects, to convey the women’s pain and suffering.
Addressing Systemic Racism in Gynecology
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to acknowledge and address the role of racism in gynecology. In 2020, a coalition of professional groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, issued a joint statement recognizing their contribution to systemic racism and acknowledging the Mothers of Gynecology.
The Power of Art and Activism
Michelle Browder’s monument and the ongoing activism around the history of medical racism are powerful reminders of the importance of truth-telling and reconciliation. They challenge the traditional narratives of medical history and shed light on the hidden sacrifices of enslaved women. By exposing these injustices, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable healthcare system for all.