In 1975, women's health was at a radical crossroads. The year served as the midpoint of the "Second Wave" feminist movement, transitioning from grassroots activism to formal policy changes. It was also designated by the United Nations as the International Women’s Year, sparking a global conversation on gender equality in healthcare.
Here is a breakdown of the landscape of women's health in 1975:
1. The Rise of "Self-Help" and Health Literacy
Frustrated by a male-dominated medical establishment that often dismissed their concerns, women began taking health into their own hands.
Our Bodies, Ourselves: By 1975, this book (originally published in 1970) had become a "health bible," empowering women to understand their anatomy, sexuality, and reproductive health outside of a doctor’s office.
National Women’s Health Network (NWHN): Founded in 1975, this organization was created to give women a pro-choice, consumer-advocacy voice in Washington, D.C., and to challenge the safety of drugs and devices marketed to women.
2. Reproductive Rights and Scandals
While Roe v. Wade (1973) had recently legalized abortion, 1975 was a year of intense scrutiny regarding contraception safety.
The Dalkon Shield Disaster: 1975 saw major congressional hearings on the Dalkon Shield, an IUD that caused severe infections, infertility, and even death. The outcry led to the 1976 Medical Device Amendments, giving the FDA the power to regulate medical devices for the first time.
The Pill Under Fire: Concerns about high-dose estrogen in early birth control pills (linked to blood clots and strokes) led to the demand for "patient package inserts"—the warning labels we see today—so women could make informed decisions.
3. Breaking the Breast Cancer Taboo
Before the mid-70s, breast cancer was rarely discussed in public.
The "Betty Ford Blip": After First Lady Betty Ford had a mastectomy in late 1974, she spoke openly about it throughout 1975. Her candor triggered a massive surge in women seeking mammograms and clinical exams—a phenomenon doctors called the "Betty Ford Blip."
Survival Rates: In 1975, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer was approximately 75% (compared to over 90% today). Radical mastectomies (removing the breast and underlying muscle) were still the standard, though less invasive options were beginning to be debated.
4. Women in Medicine
1975 marked a shift in who was providing the care.
Title IX & The Public Health Service Act: Legislative changes in the early 70s began to bear fruit by 1975, as more women enrolled in medical schools.
Statistics: Between 1970 and 1980, the number of female medical school graduates nearly doubled, fundamentally changing the patient-doctor dynamic from one of "paternalism" to one of "partnership."
Key Comparisons: 1975 vs. Today
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