During the 1950s and 1960s doctors had the perception that heterosexual well-being of women was associated with vaginal orgasm, and matrimonial solidity. The pre-marital examinations were mandatory to maintain the well-being of females who were heterosexual (Lewis, 2005). The physicians claimed that the premarital examination of the pelvis, gave a prediction on how their reproductive system would react to penetration, and their capability to have an orgasm during sexual intercourse. The doctors believed that the key to a stable marriage was a relationship that was sexually gratifying (Lewis, 2005). The stable marriages would act as the foundation of a nation that was politically, morally, and socially secure during the cold war. The sexual practices of patients were perceived by doctors as something extra, other than just a personal health issue (Lewis, 2005). Towards the mid-20 th century physicians expressed, and fortified the issue of heterosexuality by outlining specific acts, and desires as authentic while classifying the rest as abnormal, and unhealthy. The rigid handling of cold war concerns can be interconnected with gender roles, national security, and sexual customs (Lewis, 2005). Attraction to the same sex was deemed inappropriate and unhealthy by family doctors who regarded themselves as the sexual health guardians in America. The physicians believed that having sexual desires of the same sex was “un-American”, and would result to personal as well as matrimonial failure (Lewis, 2005).
The early 20 th century, and late 19 th century were marked by white American citizens who were determined to eliminate any deviant, or different individuals who were mainly queer individuals, disabled, black, and poor people. The hateful killings of James Byrd and Matthew Shepard clearly illustrate that sexual oppression, discrimination due to one’s background or disability, and racism are all features of communal distemper. It also shows that challenging the civil rights of a single group is a threat to all rights (McWhorter, 2009). Having mandatory premarital examination of only the heterosexual females is a violation of human rights of an individual, since they have not voluntarily agreed to be examined. Consent is a very essential element in any medical examination, or consultation. The exams being conducted on only the female gender shows gender based biasness (William, 2016). This clearly shows that women did not have control over what, or what could not happen to their own bodies.
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The issue of premarital tests is not mainly associated with the scientific aspects of enlightening women on sexual health, but more of a patriarchal. This is because the tests imply that there is something wrong with women medically, and they need training as well as guidance when it comes to sexual intercourse, which is not necessary in men (Alfred et al. 2013). The exam is considered more like a prototypical disease instead of a healthy and normal part of life. The perception of this test can significantly affect the psychological well-being of young female adults; they are likely to have a negative initial introduction to sexual health (Alfred et al. 2013). The cost of the premarital tests, and the ethical conditions associated with the issue are also pressing concerns. The test should be voluntary, and not mandatory as it is implied in some places. Physically the use of dilators and other equipment, when conducting the test will negatively impact the reproductive system of the young females, who are yet to have any sexual encounter. The tests are also discriminatory, since they mainly focus only on heterosexual females hence excluding those females fall in the queer category (William, 2016).
References
Alfred C. K., Wardell B., Clyde E., & Paul H. G. (2013). Sexual Behavior in the Human Female. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Company.
Lewis, C. B. (2005). Waking sleeping beauty: The premarital pelvic exam and heterosexuality during the cold war . Journal of women’s history. Vol. 7, pp86-110. John Hopkins University press.
Mcwhorter, L. (2009). Racism and sexual oppression in Anglo-America: A Genealogy.
William F. Sheeley, (2016). “Sex and the Practicing Physician” . Journal of the American Medical Association. JAMA, 195:13
