The medical ethics of the 'father of gynaecology', Dr J Marion Sims.

1993/03/01 by Durrenda Nash Ojanuga · 7 citations
Medicine · Arts and Humanities · Psychology · #Ureteral procedures and complications #Medical History and Innovations #Period (music) #Medical ethics #Medicine #Psychology #Gynecology #Philosophy #Psychiatry

paper · pdf · doi:10.1136/jme.19.1.28

openalex publication_date 1993/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/25

Abstract

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.

Citations

• Reappraisals of J. Marion Sims

Cited by

• History Is a Tangled Mess: Medical Progress, But at What Cost?
• The forgotten women of gynaecology
• J. Marion Sims, the Father of Gynecology: Hero or Villain?
• The Portrayal of J. Marion Sims' Controversial Surgical Legacy
• James Marion Sims: some speculations and a new position
• The Core Competencies of James Marion Sims, MD
• J. Marion Sims [wikipedia]