this weeks reading was a little sad and overwhelming because I had to learn about other peoples struggles that were not as known to me. I for starters want to commment on the readings as well as the films and to begin one of the things that surprises me the most about it was about learning and how they struggle with their periods and how taboo it is in india. it was sad to see how women were dropping out of school for something so simple like getting their period. second while reading a birth story I was also surprised on how the staff treated the patient and made her walk it was for sure unethical and disrespectful to let a women who just gave birth just push her baby and IV, as a mom I myself gave birth via vaginal and I remember who I couldnt walk for three dues and it was all natural and no C-section so I must imagine how humiliating and painful that experience must have been for the mother and her husband. and as for the third story I honestly find it surprising that this law is being considered at all because for one trasgender people still human beings, they are somene’s daughter or son , someone’s brother or sister they still human beings why are they being treated like outcast is horrific. I believe we all deserve some respect and given the right treatment we all deserved despite our race or gender. one connection I can find is the descrimination african Americans and the LGBTQ community faces in the medical field. while reading both articles I learned about the disctimination and racism they face, women in the medical field are dismissed when they shared their concerns while people in the LGBTQ community are also dismissed and denied medical help simply because of their sex. also the film and the labor story both have something in common and is that women experience discrimination for simply being women. to finalize the format in which these stories were shared felt surreal watching the documentary and seeeing the women’s reaction to seeing a pad the first time felt heartbtreaking because sometimes we dont know how hard other’s have it. and the birth story being ilustrated as well was sad seeing how african american women are treated in the medical field is horrific. lastly seeing comments from transgender people from all over the country was touching because we got to read their experience first hand.

Human rights are rights that are part of every human being. Including the right to life and liberty, freedom of speech, the opportunity to work and receive education. Regardless of the race, sex, religion, ethnicity, etc. We all must get these rights without any discrimination. I was so surprised to read the situation described in ¨ A birth story ¨ and how racism and prejudice have no limits. It is sad, disappointing to see the society that we are creating, and how we are teaching these bad habits to the new generations. While reading, I was struck by this line ¨Black women are more likely to have C-sections than any other group of women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.¨ It does not depend on the race, where they come from, or their status, it depends on the state of the pregnancy, how the patient is and if there is any risk. It is always thinking about the well-being of the mother and the baby. We have to educate ourselves, promote values, respect for each life, that health care providers pay attention to this discriminatory racist manner and other forms of prejudice so that this type of discrimination does not continue to occur in the field of health. To achieve equity in the field of health, and in general to improve treatment and promote inclusion in society. The connections that I found across the readings and the film, was that all the situations described are based on people who do not receive the same rights and are discriminated against, people who do not have the opportunity to experience gender equality. These readings show us different scenarios, but with the same meaning, an oppression that operates and produce health inequities. ¨A Birth Story¨ a woman of color who is not given the correct health care due to prejudice, ¨12 Reasons it should be illegal for doctors not to treat Trans people¨ Trans people who are judged for their sexual orientation ¨Period : End of Sentence¨ women trying to combat the stigma associated with menstruation. This problem has gotten out of hand but it is up to us to make a difference and promote respect and care for each life.

This week’s readings regarding medical/health concerns affecting different groups were not only surprising to me, but also disheartening. In “12 Reasons It Should Be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People”, Diana Trujèe, shared a few comments/opinions that many have against the new rule that the Department of Health and Human Services proposed. This new rule makes it extremely difficult for groups of people, that are already discriminated against, to receive the medications and medical attention that they deserve. What surprised me the most about this reading, in particular, was the lack of empathy that the DOH and “Human” Services have against innocent human beings that have the human right to receive medical attention regardless of gender/race. A comment that stood out to me amongst the rest was written by Reta Leaphart, she stated, “Homelessness and suicide rates for teens are directly linked to sexual and gender identity and it is our responsibility as a society to make these kids feel safe, included, and celebrated. Some studies show that as many as half of transgender teens have attempted suicide. We know that family rejection, discrimination, and violence lead to large numbers of transgender teens becoming homeless. These realities are failures of our humanity and American values.” It’s shocking to think that those in power are choosing to turn the cheek on too many of our own for unreasonable reasons.

 Similarly to this reading, “A Birth Story”, written by Dr. Dana-Ain Davis, shares the birth story of a woman named Leconté J Dill, and how one of the most precious moments one can experience, such as childbirth, turned out to be something unfortunate, and quite traumatic, in my opinion. What was most surprising to me in this reading, was learning about the term obstetric racism. It was a term I had never learned about prior and it was even more shocking learning its definition. For LeConte to have been treated so poorly after asking for the medical attention she deserves, such as the women in this week’s film, and transgender people with the DOH’s new rule was not only unacceptable but inhumane. After thinking back at our lesson on oppression and privilege, obstetric racism is a new low and one that made my jaw drop. 

In the film, Period. End of Sentence was incredibly inspiring to watch. I remember this film winning an academy award the year it was released and was happy to finally get around to watching it. The film takes its viewers into rural India where many women, unfortunately, cannot afford something as critical as pads to have during their menstruation. As a woman myself, I can’t imagine how uncomfortable it is to not have the necessities one needs during their menstruation and how even more uncomfortable it can be to even speak about it. What was most shocking to me about this film, was how empowering it was to watch these women get together and make pads, helping many of the women in the village, and gain financial independence while doing so. This week’s reading and films, all describe and show the many ways different groups of people are affected in regards to receiving the medical attention/supplies they deserve. What these different groups of people ask fr, are things that should not be asked for since they should be recognized as human rights. Even when I feel that I’ve heard it all, or learned it all in regards to oppression in relation

First and furmore, I hope everyone had a good and relaxed spring break. I want to discuss the “12 Reasons It Should Be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People” reading. I was very surprised at how non-binary and trans people are treated. I knew they were not equal and mistreated but when it came to a life and death after I assume they were treated way better. I am embarrassed and ashamed as a human. The stories from individuals about their traumatizing experience with the healthcare profession. I think a lot of people would be surprised at these stories because being denied health assistance is outrageous and sinful. You might as well point the gun to their head if that’s the case. Moving on to “A Birth Story” This was an interesting article to me. I seen the title and picture and thought to myself what discrimantion can women possibly have to go through. As I began to read the article, I am also shocked by the experience LeConte had to go through. She was talked about like she was invisible and disrespected. Her choice to undergo vaginal birth was criticized nor was it taken seriously. My point of view regarding the medical profession is completely different. I never thought anyone let alone a pregnant woman had to experience this. The flim “Period:End of Sentence” was a nice film to watch. I felt so bad that women and young girls had never used a pad before. As a girl myself, I know that relying on clothes to help with the bleeding is not helpful nor comfortable. These women felt embarrassed around men. Dropping out of school for this reason is not ok. Women stop learning after 5 grade because they can’t deal with having their menstrual period and being at school. This is an oppression I never thought women would ever have to face. They struggle as women because they are women. We have no control over what happens to our body yet we are punished for it. These oppressions that Trans gender, black pregnant women and women in India all have one thing in comment is that they are struggling to be who they are and chose to be. I believe things will change for instance, The women in India were taught to make pads and sell them in their community. Overall This topic taught be a lot about Indian women’s culture and how it is not easy.

It’s been well documented that black women face a higher risk of pregnancy complications than other races. This has always been taken in stride, like something that just happens and can’t be prevented. The truth, however, is that these complications are a result of black women being underserved by health institutions. A birth story taught me what obstetric racism is and how common it is for black women to be neglected and dismissed by health professionals. The fact that someone as affluent and influential as Serena Williams had to go through such mistreatment is a testament to the institutionalized racism in healthcare. While these are not sanctioned by the law per se, such discrimination are common and widespread, making it a de facto practice. These kind of discriminations can also be seen in the case of transgender people. They have been mistreated by healthcare workers and institutions. While most may not deny services outright, their hostility hinders transgender people from accessing the healthcare they need and deserve. I was surprised by how there are little to no repercussions for such discriminatory practices. I had assumed there would be some kind of protection against it but listening to so many similar stories in 12 Reason It should be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People, it’s clear that it remains mostly unchecked.

This week’s readings and the film Period show how oppression manifests itself on a medical aspect. They showed us how black women are forced to endure medical practices embedded with racism that dismiss their health concerns, undermine their bodily autonomy and even cause them physical harm. The stories from transgender people shine light on the mistreatment they face from a heteronormative institution that abuses, harasses, misgenders and misdiagnoses, discouraging them from seeking out the medical care they require. Similarly, the suffering of women in rural India highlights how archaic notions of a patriarchal society that remains willfully ignorant and stigmatizes women’s reproductive health, causes women unnecessary harms that could’ve been easily avoided. These are all examples of how certain groups of people are barred from getting the because of systemic oppression.

The format in which these stories were shared helped emphasize that these are real lives and lived experiences. These are not just statistics or discourse topics, these are real people who have been treated unjustly by an oppressive system that mistreats them in every aspect of their lives. The illustrations and the poem were a visual and emotional portrayal of a traumatic experience LeConte went during childbirth. Similarly, the stories from transgender people puts a name on the voices that would otherwise get lost in the background. The film walks us through the real lives of rural women in India , how they live, their hopes and dreams, and their struggles. These formats definitely help set an intimate perspective where one could really empathize and understand the injustice they face. It may not have created a same reaction if we only focused on the academic side.