Unseen Scars: The Hidden History of Medical Bias

The medical field has a complex past, particularly when it comes to the treatment of Black women. The way doctors have viewed and treated Black women's reproductive health has been influenced by historical injustices. The transatlantic slave trade and the early days of gynaecology are linked in ways that still affect how the medical system treats Black women today. One key figure in this history is J. Marion Sims, often called the "father of gynaecology". Sims conducted experiments on enslaved Black women without their consent. His work led to advancements in treating conditions like vesicovaginal fistula, but these benefits primarily went to wealthy white women. This raises important questions about who benefits from medical progress and who pays the price. Three recent performances have shed light on this hidden history. The Black Youth Project 100 (BYP100) held protests at Sims' statue in New York City. These protests highlighted the violence and exploitation that Sims inflicted on enslaved Black women. The performances made it clear that the statue represents a dark chapter in medical history. A play called "Behind the Sheet" gives a voice to the enslaved Black women who were used in Sims' experiments. These women were often forgotten in the official records, but the play brings their stories to life. It shows how their suffering was a crucial, if unacknowledged, part of medical progress. Another play, "Family Tree, " connects Sims' actions to more recent examples of medical racism. It tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were used for medical research without her consent. The play also honors Black nurses who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic while working for the UK's National Health Service. This play shows how the legacy of Sims' actions continues to affect Black women today. These performances challenge the idea that medical advancements are always positive. They show how progress in medicine often comes at a cost, especially for marginalized communities. By making these hidden histories visible, these performances encourage critical thinking about the past and present of medical care.