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Opinion | I promise to make your voice heard Israel today

2021-12-28T23:22:05.719Z


A patient who undresses before choosing a gynecologist is the easiest prey, and exploiting this status is despicable, horrible and repulsive. • No wonder women do not complain - they are angry with themselves and blame themselves for choosing to get into this situation


About four years ago, a patient approached me with a complaint, for which I chose to have a gynecological examination.

As usual, I explained to her all the stages of the test and did everything possible to maintain her privacy and dignity during it.

When I finished, she sat down in front of me stunned and asked, "Is this? Is this the whole test?".

I asked to understand why she was surprised, and she said that as a female soldier she was examined by a senior and well-known gynecologist, who extended the examination for a long time and touched her hidden areas.

Unfortunately, I was not surprised. At that time I was in litigation with the district administration of that HMO regarding a well-known gynecologist in the city, who various sources, including the police, had received reports of allegations of sexual harassment against patients. After an explanatory campaign by and by the Commissioner for the Treatment of Sexual Harassment, the District Administrator was persuaded to terminate the engagement with him. However, he argued that there was no need to update the rest of the HMOs, because "why put a bad name on him and hurt his livelihood?", Or due to doubts about the legality of such a move. By the way, the same gynecologist did continue to work at another HMO, until he was charged (I asked the senior manager in one of my conversations with him: "And if it was your daughter who was injured, even then you would be content with that?").

I contacted the authorities at the time, claiming that I suppose the phenomenon of sexual assault by gynecologists is far more common than we are happy to admit, and perhaps it is time to issue a proactive statement to locate women who have been harmed, to assess the extent and treat it.

I came across responses most of which were meant to protect the guild or colleagues, or simply a blatant denial of the subject.

Since then, I have been troubled by the ability of elements in the public, health care system and beyond, to live in equanimity with complaints of sexual harassment by gynecologists.

This is the most humiliating and degrading sexual exploitation there can be.

After all, a patient who turns to a gynecologist must overcome the natural and ingrained feelings of embarrassment and shame, and tell herself soothing stories so that she can even go to the gynecological examination.

A patient who spreads out by choosing before a gynecologist - is the easiest prey.

Exploitation of this class is despicable, terrible and repulsive.

No wonder women do not complain - they are angry with themselves and blame themselves for even choosing to get into this situation.

After that same patient of mine realized that she had been harmed by the same doctor while she was a soldier, I offered to help her contact the relevant authorities.

She asked in every language of request that I not report what she said.

What is left for her to do?

Maybe she will turn to the police, and maybe she will be taken seriously, and maybe not, and maybe she will muster up the courage and turn to a commissioner of one kind or another.

But in most cases, she would probably just be embarrassed, angry at herself and deal with the trauma that a doctor she trusted, trusted and spread in his face, dared to hurt her.

Will anyone even believe her?

After all, he is a respected department head.

So here, I announce: I believe you.

I believed you even four years ago.

I pledge to continue to respect you and your feelings, who you are, every time you turn to me, and pledge to be your mouth.

This is my duty as a gynecologist.

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Source: israelhayom

All news articles on 2021-12-28

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