RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The medical ethics of the 'father of gynaecology', Dr J Marion Sims.
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 28
OP 31
DO 10.1136/jme.19.1.28
VO 19
IS 1
A1 D Ojanuga
YR 1993
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/19/1/28.abstract
AB Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) was a common ailment among American women in the 19th century. Prior to that time, no successful surgery had been developed for the cure of this condition until Dr J Marion Sims perfected a successful surgical technique in 1849. Dr Sims used female slaves as research subjects over a four-year period of experimentation (1845-1849). This paper discusses the controversy surrounding his use of powerless women and whether his actions were acceptable during that historical period.