No "real" justice for women damaged by pelvic surgeries

Since the publication of Misinformed Consent in Canada in 2002, and in the U.S. in 2003, I continue to receive calls, letters and e-mails on a regular basis, from women wanting to know how to proceed with a civil or a class action lawsuit. As I read about their damage and the impact it had on their lives, I wish that there were more I could do to help. I encourage all women to stand up for themselves, but at the same time, I need to warn them that their chances of success with a lawsuit are slim to none.

A couple of years ago, I watched The Doctor on television, a film starring William Hurt as the most arrogant surgeon you’d ever want to meet. His character was completely devoid of any human compassion for his patients, and he gave them plenty of attitude until he was diagnosed with cancer of the throat and found himself on the receiving end of some of his own medicine. He didn’t like it. His experience brought his ego down a few notches, and he became a better person because of it. I remember thinking at the time that this film ought to be required viewing for all medical students, regardless of the specialty they are training in.

A closer look at why millions of women opt for unnecessary surgery instead of less invasive alternatives

Our bodies are marvelous creations with each organ or part playing a significant role in our physical, emotional and sexual well-being. It makes perfect medical and scientific sense to think that our body parts are indispensable, and I believe that most people would agree with me on that one. Most people would also agree that there are serious risks linked to any kind of surgery. For the record, an elective procedure doesn’t make it any less dangerous. Yet, every day in North America, thousands of women surrender their non-cancerous reproductive organs to gynecological surgeons. In many cases, without having given it much thought.