There is a lot of controversy surrounding the funding of women's health. Most recently is the decision by the Susan G. Komen Foundation to quit contributing to Planned Parenthood. Thankfully, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has reversed this decision and will continue its support, which makes screenings for breast cancer and cervical cancer more accessible. The intial decision to discontinue support was very distressing and contributes to a much larger issue regarding women, their health and their ability to make conscious choices about their healthcare.
The right for women to choose what is best for their own health and wellness is historically fraught with controversy and disempowerment. Being able to choose requires an awareness of choices. Many of these choices are unknown by women and unannounced by their healthcare facilitators. Choices are often sequestered by doctors who are taught a male-oriented or gender-neutral version of what women require in terms of care. This has been my personal experience and the experiences relayed to me by others.
The more I speak with women about their interactions with the healthcare system, particularly concerning pregnancy, labor and delivery, the more acutely aware I am of a system working against the natural and evolutionary feminine rhythms. Our bodies have deep, intuitive knowledge passed on through generations. When we are quiet and listen to our bodies we can learn multitudes about our needs. Our bodies speak to us, telling us what we need to do in care of ourselves. When we have pain our body is indicating to us where we need to be attentive and caring. When we are exhausted it is our body telling us that we need a long, uninterrupted period of time to heal, relax and renew. And when we refuse to listen our bodies respond with dis-ease.
Perhaps the blame shouldn't fall too squarely onto the status-quo OB/GYN. After all, they are just doing what they've been taught, replicating what they've seen countless times in the delivery room of a hospital. It is up to us, women, to question our healthcare providers and seek change when we feel abandoned my them. It is up to us, women, to make our voices heard by sharing our stories and our knowledge with each other. It is up to us, women, to empower each other to create a positive shift in our lives as birthing mothers. This shift will change our communities, woman by woman, child by child, family by family.
Education is essential. Support is paramount. Consciousness if fundamental.
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