The history of gynecology is a painful one, filled with tales of medical exploitation and violence. While many fields have their dark history, gynecology's millennia-long record of abuse is uniquely cruel. This field has for centuries been dominated by men, who have used it as a means to subjugate and oppress women. 

In this week's episode, we'll take a look at three mothers of modern gynecology: Lucy, Betsey, & Anarcha. Each of these enslaved Black  women played a role in advancing the field while simultaneously undergoing painful experimental procedures, without anesthesia & without giving consent. 

The story of how these women worked to advance our understanding of female anatomy & health is one that ends not with triumph but with shame and regret.

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