The Deadly Consequences of Medical Misogyny

Women and gender non-conforming individuals have made significant strides in various fields, including medicine. However, lurking beneath the surface of progress lies an insidious issue that plagues the healthcare system: medical misogyny.

Medical misogyny refers to the pervasive sexism, biases, and discrimination women encounter within the healthcare system. It encompasses a range of issues, including dismissive attitudes towards women's symptoms, gender biases in diagnoses and treatment, and unequal access to healthcare resources.

Diagnosis and Treatment Biases: Gender biases can influence the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Women may be more likely to receive stigmatised or dismissed diagnoses, such as borderline personality disorder or somatic symptom disorder. Their symptoms may be pathologised or attributed to hormonal factors, minimising the consideration of other factors or underlying conditions.

Substandard Care: Misogyny can lead to biased and substandard care for female patients. Stereotypes and prejudices can influence the diagnosis, treatment, and management of women's health concerns, leading to delayed or inappropriate care.

Stereotyping and Stigma: Misogyny perpetuates stereotypes and stigmas surrounding women's mental health. Women seeking mental health support may face judgment, ridicule, or invalidation due to societal expectations and gender norms. This can deter them from seeking help or delay their access to appropriate care.

Dismissal of Symptoms: Women's mental health concerns and symptoms may be dismissed or attributed to emotional or hormonal factors rather than thoroughly investigated and treated. This can lead to delayed or inadequate care, worsening of symptoms, and negative impacts on women's well-being.

Sexualisation and Objectification: Within mental healthcare settings, women may experience objectification, sexual harassment, or boundary violations from healthcare professionals. These experiences can undermine trust, create power imbalances, and have a detrimental impact on therapeutic relationships.

Trauma-Informed Care: Women with a history of trauma may encounter additional challenges in mental health treatment. Misogyny can perpetuate victim-blaming attitudes and minimise the impact of trauma, leading to inadequate support and understanding of their unique needs.

Lack of Research and Knowledge: Women have historically been underrepresented in mental health research, leading to gaps in knowledge about gender-specific mental health concerns and treatment responses. This can result in a limited understanding of women's experiences and hinder the development of tailored interventions.

Addressing misogyny in healthcare requires awareness, education, and systemic changes within the healthcare system. It is crucial to promote gender equality, challenge biases and stereotypes, and ensure that health professionals receive training on gender-sensitive and trauma-informed care is crucial. Creating safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces for women to seek support is essential for their well-being and overall healthcare outcomes.

We can dismantle the barriers perpetuating medical misogyny by confronting biases, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Only through collective action can we forge a future where every woman receives the dignified and equitable care she deserves.

Medical misogyny also falls under the umbrella of colonised medicine practices such as the paternalised medicine model. Decolonised healthcare can transform the mental and physical health landscape for all by embracing gender equality, and cultural diversity, dismantling colonial legacies, and promoting healing and well-being in a more inclusive and equitable manner. It calls upon all health practitioners, policymakers, and communities to work collaboratively, challenge power imbalances, and centre diverse cultural perspectives. By honouring the wisdom of women and fostering social justice, we can create a health system that nurtures the resilience and holistic well-being of all individuals and communities.