A Chorus of Pain in Four Parts
Bethany Johnson, Margaret M. Quinlan
Introduction:
In “A Chorus of Pain in Four Parts,” we highlight the profound lack of pain management offered for many gynecological and reproductive health procedures.
Materials and Methods:
This poem allows readers to reimagine perinatal care by exploring the equity issues in failing to address perinatal pain. Whose pain is ignored; whose is overlooked? The italicized text represents direct quotes drawn from our research interviews, Reddit threads, and the Serial podcast “The Retrievals.” This four-part poem contrasts the lack of health equity in perceptions of and responses to pain during procedures such as intrauterine device insertions, egg retrievals, and C-sections with the minimal pain relief offered, underscoring the contrast with other procedures where sedation is standard practice (e.g., scopes in gastroenterology).
Results:
The poem documents instances of medical gaslighting, where patients’ pain is dismissed as “unusual” or “just anxiety,” invalidating their experiences and eroding trust. This invalidation fosters a pervasive sense of uncertainty and helplessness among individuals navigating a medical system that appears unwilling to address their suffering.
Discussion:
By weaving together firsthand accounts from various sources, the piece amplifies the urgent call for a reevaluation of reproductive pain protocols, advocating for a fundamental shift in how the medical community approaches perinatal pain.
Conclusion:
The piece centers the patient experience and explores their experience with perinatal pain as a barrier to safety and thus full health.