Looking through the Speculum: Examining the Women’s Health Movement

The womens health movement in the US began in 1969 and aimed to improve women's bodily knowledge, reproductive control, and well-being. It was a political and institution-building movement that sought to transform women's relationships with medicine and increase access to affordable health care. The movement also encouraged activists to reimagine their relationships with one another and confront the limitations of womanhood. This book examines the emergence, development, travails, and triumphs of the womens health movement, highlighting the roles of lesbians, straight women, and women of color.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The womens health movement in the United States, which began in 1969 and gained traction in the 1970s, was a multifaceted and far-reaching endeavor aimed at improving the physical and reproductive well-being of women. It was a political movement that firmly believed that bodily autonomy held the key to unlocking womens liberation. At the same time, it was an institution-building movement that sought to transform the way women interacted with medicine, working tirelessly to increase their access to affordable healthcare services, free from the barriers of homophobia, racism, and sexism.

However, the womens health movement went beyond the confines of womens bodies. It also encouraged activists to reexamine their relationships with one another, fostering connections and partnerships in pursuit of personal and political change. Over time, these activists embarked on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the boundaries of womanhood and exploring the limitations imposed by societal norms.

This book delves into the historical emergence, development, challenges, and successes of the womens health movement in the United States. By integrating medical history and the history of womens bodies into our understanding of second-wave feminism, the author sheds light on the often overlooked efforts to shape healthcare and reproductive control beyond traditional medical settings. The narrative primarily revolves around the politics, institutions, and relationships forged within the womens health movement, with a special focus on the perspectives of the activists who played pivotal roles in shaping its priorities, advocating for its causes, and facing its challenges.

Lesbians, straight women, and women of color all played significant roles in the womens health movement. Their experiences, struggles, and triumphs are interwoven throughout the narrative, highlighting the diversity and richness of the movement's contributions. The womens health movement not only improved the lives of individual women but also had a profound impact on society as a whole, challenging gender norms, promoting gender equality, and advocating for reproductive rights.

In conclusion, the womens health movement in the United States was a transformative force that paved the way for greater gender equality and reproductive rights. Through its unwavering commitment to womens bodily autonomy, institutional reform, and the reimagining of relationships, the movement has left an indelible mark on the history of American society. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted evolution of the womens health movement.

Weight: 564g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226830865