Modesty -In reply to Dr. Maurice

Dr. Maurice had a series of questions on why people would elect to have same gender exams. He wants to know why it is of such importance to people. I have posted my reply on his blog and am posting it here. I encourage everyone to please post here and on Dr. Maurice's blog. The more people who know how we feel about this issue the faster changes will happen.

http://bioethicsdiscussion.blogspot.com/2006/05/patient-modesty-more-significant-issue_11.html#comments

Modesty is about respect for self and for others.

Modesty is a state of mind and involves attitude as well as dress and behavior. Modesty is also about honoring the bonds between a husband and a wife.

Respect is about honoring what is of value to an individual. My body is of value to me and to my husband and I do not want to share it with every person that happens to walk by an open doorway when I am in a hospital or medical setting. It is considered respectful to not go through a person’s purse or wallet but totally acceptable to look at a naked person. What is wrong with that picture? I do dress modestly and am considerate of my husband’s wishes in my dress also. Modesty is an issue that affects both men and women.

Modesty is more than visual it is also about the attitude. Wearing suggestive clothing or moving in a suggestive manner do not reflect modesty. This mindset can be identified often when a woman has been raped. One of the first questions asked by the defendant’s attorney is “What were you wearing when the event occurred?” This is hardly a question that would be asked if society did not assume that clothing reflected the inner person.

The bond between a husband and wife is very special because each has pledged themselves to the other. This bond is strengthened and encouraged by the modesty of the couple. Saving some things to be admired solely by one’s spouse gives a sense of privilege, honor and intimacy. Anytime a person exposes their body to a member of the opposite sex they take away a part of the marriage intimacy and chance weakening the bonds between a husband and wife. This intimacy is further weakened by the encouragement of the medical establishment for women to expect to be examined intimately and for a woman to reveal intimate thoughts to her doctor, regardless of the reason for the visit to the doctor.

Sexuality is a driving force in the very nature of human beings and this issue can not be ignored when considering the merits of same gender exams. For some people the very thought of potential sexual abuse is going to be a strong factor in their insistence for same gender exams. Given the prevalence of misbehavior of physicians not only within the United States but within other countries it is not surprising that knowledgeable patients are not only leery about seeing a member of the opposite sex but are insisting on same gender caregivers. Homosexuality is a fact of the current times and can be a concern with same gender care givers also. However prevalent homosexuality is in the news and media, it seems to be well concealed in professional fields such as medicine. If someone is not making an issue of their sexuality and forcing their attentions on patients it will not be a problem for most people.

In summary, Modesty is a choice and lifestyle that some people have chosen. The very basis of the current medical system makes a mockery of this lifestyle that people have chosen by insisting on maintaining the same status quo. The ridicule people receive for this choice has created a hostile environment for those of us who request same gender care givers. At times this hostile environment has delayed the medical care needed while the person requesting same gender caregivers is questioned intensely and pressured to reconsider his/her request.

Modesty is a choice and I choose to be selective about who gets to see more of me.

Have a great day!
Plain Jane

Patient Modesty

Hello to everyone that posts here on the Patient for Medical Modesty blog. This blog was started because the need for people to vent about medical modesty was needed. Dr. Maurice stated on his blog (Patient Modesty: A More Significant Issue?) that he thought it was time for a new blog to be started for this topic.

One of the goals of this blog is to increase awareness of the need for patient modesty. Not only does the medical profession tend to minimize the need for patient modesty and their concerns, but many patients are not aware that they DO have choices in their medical care. This lack of patient knowledge and indifferent, rigid medical habits have created situations where some people may have mental scars for years.

I am going to ask that eveyone please sign a name, it need not be your real name) and identify yourself as an individual or medical professional (doctor,nurse, technician, etc.) My intent is to show the results of this blog to different medical facilities and start increasing the awareness of the medical community to the need for patient modesty and dignity.

Thank you
Plain Jane
Individual