WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for March, 1999: Re: Live Hysterectomy

Re: Live Hysterectomy

From: Harriet (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 26 Mar 1999 11:57:31 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Lisa: "Live Hysterectomy"

At Thu, 25 Mar 1999, Lisa wrote: >
>I really believe that the obgyn net is doing a grave diservice to women
>by showing a live hysterectomy on the net.
>
>Exactly who is this going to benefit? - besides the doctors who are
>going to get $$$$$$ and perhaps some recognition from the "old boys
>club" - insurance companies and a few misogynists.
>
>Hysterectomy way out of control in our society. Women need REAL
>alternatives, REAL information and REAL informed consent - push this for
>us!!!!!! I for one do not wish to see another woman castrasted. - and I
>don't believe that it is a matter of - IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT YOU ARE
>GOING TO SEE DON'T WATCH IT - Obgyn net should be making a real stand
>for women. WE DO NOT NEED THIS - WE WANT SAFE ALTERNATIVES. EDUCATE
>WOMEN AS TO THEIR OPTIONS - DON'T BAMBOOZLE THEM WITH SCIENCE and play
>into the hands of the quick cheap fix mentality. Hysterectomy is a
>lifetime sentence for many!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
>Obgyn net has the opportunity to stop this. PLEASE!!!!

This is really out of line here. First of all, it's true--if you don't like it, DON"T watch it yourself. Don't censor other people.

Second, you are entitled to disagree, but this idea that women who have a hysterectomy are castrated is not only wrong but dangerous.

Third,your attitude is incredibly insulting. You imply that I am stupid, ill-informed, or a pawn of a few misogynists to have submitted to a hysterectomy. How condescending. Please have the courtesy to admit that many of us know what we are doing. Surgery was the best decision for me, but it was not one that I made lightly or without thoroughly investigating alternatives. I really dislike the attitude that we are all helpless victims who must be saved from ourselves. I for one am in charge of my destiny and I make my own decisions. And I have a right to make my own decisions.

There IS a place for hysterectomies, it is a necessary surgery at times, and for many of us, it provides a substantial improvement to our lives. No women should reach the decision lightly. Every woman does have an obligation to educate herself to see if it is best for her amongst the alternatives, in consultation with her health care provider. This knee-jerk response that any surgery is bad has the potential to do far more harm than good.

--harriet

--
Harriet Vane
hdvane@hotmail.com

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