Language is important- for clarity, for community, and for comfort. But it's also imprecise.
The terminology used in this resource guide defaults to binary male/female language in some cases but by no means intends exclude anyone who does not conform to the traditional definitions of those terms. We will use non-gendered and anatomically accurate language where possible but, due to lack of commonly-understood, inclusive medical language, will use gendered terms when referring collectively to traditionally AFAB/AMAB (assigned female/male at birth) reproductive systems. Every body is unique, which makes discussing a culturally binary topic (male vs. female) even more complex. You can read this article for more info on the importance of accurate language in anatomy.
If a term or language used in this guide is exclusionary or hurtful, please contact us with your concerns. Our aim is to provide education and resources, not cause undue harm.
There is an implicit and explicit bias against people, more specifically women, of color in United States healthcare and health resources.
The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) found that "racial and ethnic minorities receive lower-quality healthcare than white people - even when insurance status, income, age, and severity of conditions are comparable." Black people experience less desirable or unnecessarily intrusive medical treatments (i.e. amputations when medication would suffice), are less likely to be believed when expressing pain or listing symptoms, and are less likely to receive anesthesia than a white person. This racial bias is tied to the centuries of enslavement or Black people- and the hatred that justified it - which put the lives, safety, and health of Black people in the hands of white people who exploited them for personal gain.
See the National Academy's report for further details.
Medical Bondage by 
