Medical Bondage: Race, Gender, and the Origins of American Gynecology
In Medical Bondage, Deirdre Cooper Owens reveals how American gynecology emerged from the exploitation of enslaved Black women and Irish immigrants. By examining race, gender, and power in 19th-century medicine, the book exposes the hidden foundations of modern practices and their lasting impact on health inequities.
About This Book
Medical Bondage by Deirdre Cooper Owens explores the origins of American gynecology through the lenses of race and gender. The book examines how early medical advancements were built on the exploitation of marginalized bodies.
Drawing from historical records, Owens highlights the contributions and sufferings of enslaved Black women and poor Irish immigrant women in the development of gynecological procedures. These groups were often subjected to experimental surgeries without consent, forming the basis of modern practices.
The narrative addresses the intersections of power, medicine, and social inequality in 19th-century America. It challenges conventional histories by centering the experiences of those historically silenced in medical discourse.
Through meticulous research, the book illustrates how these origins continue to influence contemporary healthcare disparities. Owens calls for a reevaluation of medical legacies rooted in bondage and subjugation.
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