Nikhaule Martin on Undivided Rights

Nikhaule Martin

GWS 390

February 2018

Undivided Rights

Undivided Rights discussed in great detail the reproductive movements amongst woman, with attention focused specifically towards women of color. Women of color have been hesitant of both their healthcare providers, and of some forms of contraception. 

The author in text specifically mentions women hesitation of “provider-controlled hormonal methods of contraception whose side effects and risks were unclear” (19). Studying in depth the forced sterilization of women abroad, specifically referencing the woman of India and the “medical disaster” that has taken place in the Indian state, Chhattisgarh. Labeled a medical disaster due to the high volume of tubal litigation's, at a government operated camp, where over 10 women died. As the text cited mention there is often this disconnected between women and their healthcare providers. They are often times strongly suggested, and sometimes forced or bribed into making decisions about their health with the health literacy skills, or the transparency needed to do so. Women in India, specifically poor women in India, were oftentimes coerced with into receiving tubal litigation's out of necessity as opposed to desire. Women of color as mentioned in the text, who are familiar with population control tactics of the government, were bombarded with campaigns for birth control despite the lack of information given about the drug.

Which leads me think about why the distrust between people and their healthcare provider exists. Immediately thinking of both the Tuskegee Study of 1932 and all the inhumane experimentation committed against black women by Dr. J. Marion Sims. The disconnect between people of color and their healthcare providers often times stem from systemic injustices committed towards a people, as well as the lack of concern shown for marginalized groups of people. There are women who are being encourage to take different forms of birth control, while not having the availability and accessibility to the much needed resources that could ultimately improve their health. 

These issues are rarely discussed in the political sphere in a fashion that would beneficial to the affected population. Issues are often times ignored, and dismissed by those who have the privilege of not falling victim to such health disparities. If more transparency and attention was given to marginalized groups within the States then more productive solutions would be offered to “fight against black poverty” (19.)

What are some ways that healthcare providers can begin to be more transparent with patients?