Identity Constructions at Hysterectomy: Black Women’s Narratives

Abstract

Conscious and repressed power differentials between healthcare providers and patients have influenced women’s experiences of hysterectomy. A critical outlook that focuses on intersectionality and power relations of the body has provided evidence that Black, under-resourced, and currently oppressed women’s reproductive organs have been neglected. The current inquiry gathered narratives of five Black women from both private and public health facilities who had a hysterectomy before the age of 52. Their narratives of identity before and during hysterectomy were ascertained. The findings revealed negative experiences resulting from severe symptoms before hysterectomy and exposed complex negative and positive multilayered structures related to power and dominance during treatment. Insight into the challenges and benefits of hysterectomy on womanhood identified several key recommendations for providing a more nuanced perspective to enhance women’s gynaecological health.