This week’s readings and film were extremely important because of the depths that we went to understand just how critical feminism is in this world we are living in. Simply put, there is an extremely huge issue with the system and it is causing harm in ways that we cannot just simply ignore. 

            Learning about the neglect doctors give their female patients that are African-American was disturbing because it namely stems from racism and internalized resentment. This goes to show why so many women of color are afraid to seek help and are distrusting of doctors. Wouldn’t you expect the person who took an oath to uphold only ethical standards to truly live by this invaluable oath, and protect you? Unfortunately, if you are a woman and of color, this may not be your reality. 

            Watching the film Period. End of Sentence was interesting in the fact that we were able to see just how much power we have when we work together. Although we may be in dire situations, when we choose to help one another out, that is when we can start taking the first steps toward real change. Even when we are told that certain natural parts of life are taboo, we know deep down that there is no shame in our existence. 

In the story “Birth Story” by Dana-Ain Davis. It is related about LeConté’s birth story that she is a woman of dark skin color. She says “It’s midnight and they made me push my baby new born just yesterday Don’t look behind me.” This shows that they did not give her the attention they should have and not so much that they did not at least have respect for professional ethics because anything that happened to her or her baby is the responsibility of the hospital, but since they have preferences between genders, they do not care. they imported. The video for “Period, the End of Sentence”. It shows how a girl had to drop out of school because she couldn’t find a way during her period and it was something very complicated in terms of her religion because she was from India and they don’t talk about those issues because they see it as something bad, very intimate and like a taboo. She had to give up what she wanted because of social oppression. However, I feel very good for them because despite everything they get ahead, they do creative things so that women can progress.

Wow. Jumping into this week’s readings, it was difficult to hear and feel the blatant disrespect the woman experienced during her labor in A Birth Story. The treatment she experienced during such an important and sensitive time in her life was horrific. No woman should have to go through more stress after putting so much energy into her birth plan, and then giving birth to a new life. The women who wrote this passage introduced me to obstetric racism, a term I had never heard before. Obstetric racism is the makeup of seven dimensions; diagnostic lapses; neglect, dismissiveness, or disrespect; intentionally causing pain; coercion; ceremonies of degradation; medical abuse; and racial reconnaissance. As I read through these I saw how clearly they neglected, degraded and dismissed her, intentionally caused pain, and coerced her into changing her birth plan- when it was not necessary. All these terms that fall under the umbrella of obstetric racism are new to me, but unfortunately do not surprise me- and that is a huge problem. These problems that arise due to neglect and mistreatment should not be normalized in the medical world.

Again in the article, 12 Reasons for it to be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People, we see raw stories of trans non binary people literally begging for their voices to be heard regarding general access to healthcare- something that every American should be granted regardless of race or gender. Having to prove your gender identity and back it up with reasons why they need healthcare is unbelievably demeaning. It was extremely difficult to read Stacy Bowen’s story, as she now carries a do not resusticate band and note because she would rather die than be forced to beg for proper medical attention. To be constantly questioned rather than cared for is a horrible feeling.

Through the readings and film this week, we can know more about what kinds of medical oppression exist when it comes to different groups. It makes me feel sad that there are still so many unfair situations occur because of people’s identities. Through A Birth Story we can know how risky the birth delivering procession could be for a black woman. It causes by racism but it is difficult to prove or have evidence.

From 12 Reasons It Should Be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People that is how terrible and dangerous that trans people facing with their lives. Due to new rules that HHS made, federally funded healthcare providers and insurers to legally deny care to transgender people. This rule put transgender people’s lives in a risky position and they shouldn’t face that because of their identities.

After watching Period. End of Sentence. I see the hope that once girls and women have chance, they can release their power and they can do it well also help others out-which is beautiful. It also reminds me of some experiences that how embarrassing or the culture makes you feel embarrassing if you are having your period. It is the same in my hometown that women during period considered dirty so they are not allowed to go to the temple.

I learned a lot about Black women dying during childbirth in hospitals simply because the doctors and the nurses neglected them. It is often an act of racism and hatred, which is why many black women opt for at-home births, black female doctors, or midwives. Being a woman of color, it’s something I’ve had to give a lot of thought to because I wouldn’t want to experience the same experience as many women I’ve met before. When you are a mother, you want what’s best for your child, but you also want to know what’s best for you and stay safe. “When the anesthesiologist made LeConté feel invisible and disrespected, that exemplified neglect, dismissiveness, or disrespect.” (A Birth Story). “A Birth Story” really stood out to me because I’ve heard many stories of black women ultimately dying at childbirth because of the neglect and pain caused by these doctors. It’s genuinely upsetting. Reading “12 Reasons It Should Be Illegal for Doctors Not to Treat Trans People’’ by Diana Tourjée, there is another example of excessive medical abuse in the medical field. There is particular abuse regarding people of color and folks of the LGBTQ+ community. I liked watching “Period. End of Sentence.” because many women in India aren’t allowed to do anything. So the fact that these women were able to get together and make modernized machinery to help make sanitary products.