I was surprised to learn in the film that many girls drop out of school after getting their period. One women in the film spoke about struggling to change her clothes while on her period and attending school. Having to go out off her way because she couldn’t change around men. This issue forces many women to drop out of school and/or not be able to work. Because periods are “taboo,” women don’t have access to proper accommodations that would allow them to work and go to school while on their period. I was also shocked and saddened to hear a woman in the film say she was grateful for the opportunity to work making pads because she can earn the respect of her husband. These women are looked down upon and less respected by men because of not being capable of working. Although it is their patriarchal system that prevents women from working in the first place. 

The patriarchy is a theme in all of this week’s material. “A Birth Story” and “12 Reasons It Should Be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People” talk about healthcare inequality because of gender. Women receiving lesser quality care than men and being stripped of their right of having health care. Men are given the power to make decisions about women’s healthcare and what care they are deserving to have. This maintains the power imbalance between genders and ensures the opression of women. It was also extremely shocking and saddening to read first-hand experiences about the horrible treatment people received when seeking medical help. By doctors and staff who you should be able to trust and assured you are in a safe place.

The way these stories are told reinforce my understanding of medical opression. Recently on social media stories of medical opression, especially for women of color during child birth, are being brought up and talked about more. Horrific stories, similar to the ones in the readings, of women of color being ignored by doctors and staff when they are in pain or are concerned about their baby. This week’s material supported my understanding of medical opression based on theses stories shared in the media. Continuing to spread knowledge and awareness of healthcare inequality based on gender and the repercussions of this issue.