"Father of Gynecology": Defying Nature?

Sims “reflected the heroic ideal” having “refused to let Nature merely take its course,” (503). What does this demonstrate about the priorities of science and medicine? Are we merely attempting to escape the inevitable? Consider the way in which we treat aging and death. We are constantly bombarded by ads marketing products to reduce wrinkles or cover grey hairs. We don’t want to be reminded of our age and ultimately death. With science has come the fear of Nature and the inevitable fate which we will all face. We attempt to control the inevitable, and employ scientific methods to do so. Due to women’s associations with nature, their reproductive functions may be seen as a source which requires scientific intervention. Therefore, Sims is exactly that--an “ideal” symbolizing the norm to control and distance ourselves from nature. This norm may also be reflect in today’s society through the need to distance ourselves from reminders of women’s natural reproductive functions such as breast feeding, menstruation and birthing. Has scientific intervention and the medicalization of women’s bodies and bodily functions truly been beneficial? Or, alternately, has it all been an attempt to out-run the inevitable, to control natural forces?

Angela B.