Clitoris Quote by Eve Ensler
““In the nineteenth century, girls who learned to develop orgasmic capacity by masturbation were regarded as medical problems. Often they were 'treated' or 'corrected' by amputation or cautery of the clitoris or 'miniature chastity belts,' sewing the vaginal lips together to put the clitoris out of reach, and even castration by surgical removal of the ovaries. But there are no references in the medical literature to the surgical removal of testicles or amputation of the penis to stop masturbation in boys. In the United States, the last recorded clitoridectomy for curing masturbation was performed in 1948-- on a five-year-old girl.””
About This Quote
Historical medical practices violently suppressed female sexuality, reflecting patriarchal control.
In simple terms: Women’s sexuality was violently suppressed.
Key Takeaway
Support bodily autonomy.
Themes
gender
medicine
control
Mood
somber
determined
Type
historical
advocational
When to use this quote
- education
- advocacy
- policy reform
- healthcare practice
Key Concepts
feminism
history of medicine
Questions to Reflect On
- How have attitudes toward female sexuality changed?
- What lessons can we learn for modern healthcare?
A Different Perspective
These practices are extreme and not universally representative.
