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University of Toronto - Faculty of Law
University of Toronto - Faculty of Law
International Journal of Gynecology
and Obstetrics 125 (2014) 89–92
Abstract:
Stigmatization marks individuals for
disgrace, shame, and even disgust — spoiling or tarnishing their social
identities. It can be imposed accidentally by thoughtlessness or insensitivity;
incidentally to another purpose; or deliberately to deter or punish conduct
considered harmful to actors themselves, others, society, or moral values.
Stigma has permeated attitudes toward recipients of sexual and reproductive
health services, and at times to service providers. Resort to contraceptive
products, to voluntary sterilization and abortion, and now to medically
assisted reproductive care to overcome infertility has attracted stigma.
Unmarried motherhood has a long history of shame, projected onto the
“illegitimate” (bastard) child. The stigma of contracting sexually transmitted
infections has been reinvigorated with HIV infection. Gynecologists and their
professional associations, ethically committed to uphold human dignity and
equality, especially for vulnerable women for whom they care, should be active
to guard against, counteract, and relieve stigmatization of their patients and
of related service providers.
Number of Pages in PDF File: 5
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