Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Hysterectomies: 2000 Years of Care & Coercion
Apr 8, 2025
Elinor Cleghorn, author of 'Unwell Women: A Journey Through Medicine and Myth in a Man-Made World', returns to discuss the evolution and societal implications of hysterectomies. She highlights the surgery's grim history, including a woman's brave self-hysterectomy and the troubling legacy of coercive practices. Elinor sheds light on the historical control of women's bodies through medical intervention and the importance of informed consent, emphasizing the need for autonomy in reproductive healthcare.
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Quick takeaways
- The evolution of hysterectomy over 2000 years reflects advancements in medical practices as well as the societal views influencing women's health care.
- Ethical dilemmas surrounding informed consent highlight the historical coercion of women in medical decisions regarding hysterectomies and reproductive rights.
Deep dives
The Origin of Hysterectomy Procedures
The history of hysterectomy can be traced back to ancient practices where the surgery was linked primarily to addressing severe conditions like prolapse. Historical records, including writings from a Greek physician named Saronis, describe early attempts to treat women by removing the uterus for various ailments, although survival rates were extremely low. Over time, this procedure evolved, with one of the first successful abdominal hysterectomies performed by Dr. Ephraim McDowell in 1809, marking a significant advancement in surgical techniques. The understanding of surgical practices regarding women's health progressed slowly, shaped by societal views on women's bodies and their reproductive roles.
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