In our two readings for this week, I noticed a commonality. People begging for their voices to be heard, and to be treated with a general respect. I was surprised to learn that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black women are more likely than any other group to have C-Sections when giving birth. It is still a question of why is that? Why is it almost normal for black women to not have a natural birth? Or for Doctors to assume that this is the only way? And if the C-Section is off the table, why must labor be induced? I also was shocked by the comments trans people wrote in response against the proposal to legally deny trans people health care. For a trans person, there should not be an ultimatum. To be cared for professionally and respectfully, or die. Many of these people also included their line of work, who they are as a person in society, almost begging for their presence to be seen as valid. Even someone who was in the USA Military is asking for the right to healthcare. So you let trans people fight for your country, but deny them the right to proper medical attention?
It was difficult to watch the film Period. End of Sentence, because of how none of these girls or boys know what a period is. Some relate it to god, or an illness that women endure, calling it “bad blood”. They continuously relate menstruation to religion, that they cant pray during their period because they are seen as dirty. It is very controlling and these woman have little to no freedom. I think that control is a big factor around women’s fertility, independence, transgender bodies, and obstetric racism. Women are penalized and judged for having a period, which is inevitable, normal, and healthy. Trans people are treated poorly regarding medical attention and health care. Black women and people are blatantly disrespected and neglected in birthing sessions, forcing them to make rash decisions towards their pregnancy and birth. The list goes on and on. I finally got a breath of fresh air when the man who created the low cost napkin machine appeared in the film. Seeing the women learn and understand what pads are, and making them hands on was a big sigh of relief, they deserve to have basic tools to care for themselves during their time of the month, and to know what it is rather than see it as something bad.

I wanted to learn more about the injustices women and trans people endure in healthcare and in terms of fertility- Prof. Waychoff provided us with just that. In the two readings and the film, we get to hear real stories from real people- taking these injustices outside of the USA and showing us that there is a real lack of education among these topics. Trans people must be recognized and respected in health care. Black women should not be scared of doctors and hospitals. People all around the world should receive a legitimate education on menstruation.