Going to the doctor can be a stressful experience. Whether unwell physically or psychologically, seeking medicine or counsel, it’s safe to say that a typical trip to Health and Counselling on campus means that something isn’t right. And it’s during these times of unwell that one is at their most vulnerable.
This is why it’s so upsetting that both myself and the majority of my female friends have had terrible, downright sexist, experiences at Carleton’s Health and Counselling Centre.
Let me make one thing clear: I realize and acknowledge how lucky we are as a student body to have this tool at our disposal. By and large the staff at this centre are helpful, kind, and professional.
However, the experiences revealed here show that certain practitioners at this facility are either blissfully, or blindly, ignorant towards the health needs and sensitivities of this campus’ female population.
Take for example the instance when my close friend went in for a consultation about an Inter Uterine Device (IUD). For those who are unaware, an IUD is a small T shaped gadget that is inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy physically, chemically/hormonally, or both. One of the biggest draws to this contraceptive is that it lasts for five years once inserted.
This half-decade quick fix was meant to be a sigh of relief to my friend who was through with pills, needles, and rings when it came to making responsible contraceptive choices. Any woman who is able and willing to take her sexual health—and thus, freedom—into her own hands should be applauded.
Instead, my friend was turned away and pushed into contemplating another option due to the fact that she was not in a long-term relationship. This is highly problematic. Why does she have to be in a relationship in order to take advantage of this safe, highly practical method of birth control?
Why does her child-free five year plan need to include a man? Why is such a small aspect of her life—her relationship status-—being scrutinized by a doctor she went to in confidence?
Many are quick to spout that we are in a “post-feminist society,” but if that was true, would we still be experiencing subtle slut shaming on a systematic level?
Would we as women still be denied birth control on the grounds that we don’t have a man to reel us in, ensuring that we don’t sleep around too much now that our uteruses are ensured baby-free for a handful of years?
When asked how having her relationship, desire, and sexual activity questioned made her feel, my strong, independent friend replied with a downward glance: “dirty.”
While this particular experience remained ingrained in my mind, be assured that there are many more. How many?
Some follow up questions:
Why did a male doctor walk in on my female friend changing—twice in a row?
Why did he withhold information about the pills he prescribed her, leading her to experience the worst pain of her life unprepared?
Why was my mental health called into question during a routine Pap smear? I could go on.
There are severe consequences to a clinic that makes female students feel uncomfortable. When young women don’t feel safe talking to their doctors, it stands to reason there can be serious ramifications: unexpected pregnancy, undiagnosed STIs, and untreated mental health conditions such as depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
Health and Counselling Services needs to take it upon themselves to ensure they are staffing their facility with professionals who make all students feel comfortable, respected, and cared for. When female students feel cared for, the health of the entire campus benefits.
— Chloe Barker,
fourth-year art history
