PLEASE NOTE: If you are strictly anti-abortion, you probably won’t want to read this. Better yet, perhaps you should, because it deals with a particular “method of conception,” as one lawmaker so callously put it recently. So that makes me… a walking uterus? And since I’m post-menopausal, that would make me useless… It’s like how they called cigarettes a “nicotine delivery system.” And don’t get me started on “legitimate rape.” It’s violence and power, not sex. Hey, women can see past this malarkey. Remember in November, sisters!
Scroll down a bit for the poem.
Since the Procedure
First appointment since
her miserable abortion.
She’s 18 – nervous, tearful.
The nurse who knows her and
helped with the procedure
is by her side. Part rock, part teddy bear.
Then Doctor steps in.
Without a word, detached,
he flips up the stirrups
like it’s a mechanical bull and
not an exam table. “Slide up,”
are his first words to her.
He invades her with icy hands.
Palpates roughly.
Orders her to relax.
This from the man who
vacuumed her womb
only last week. He performed
the abortion, but you can feel
his disgust toward his patient.
“I said RELAX.” She tenses at the command.
Then, he mumbles, “I can’t do this
if you don’t cooperate.”
Briskly sheds his latex gloves;
brusquely exits the room.
Nurse holds the girl as she shakes and sobs,
“Take the money and run, doc.”
Later, Doctor gripes, “These girls
get in this type of trouble
and I have to take care of it but
they don’t help, not a bit.”
Nurse blurts, “Yeah, don’t you hate it when
girls go out and get themselves raped?
Honest to God, you have no idea, do you?”
Her indignant outburst is lost on him as he
flips through a Bermuda Vacation catalog.
© 2012 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Three Word Wednesday (yes, it’s Sunday, I’m well aware!) asked for a poem including the words Miserable, Brisk, and Detached. I knew a doctor like this… one of my friends was raped and he had ZERO pity, zero compassion. There are plenty of wonderful doctors, but this guy wasn’t one of them. That nurse (Catholic by faith, dedication to social justice gospel) quit the practice and opened a counseling center for girls and women recovering from abortion. “It has to be legal, clean, and safe,” she said, “but it doesn’t have to be even more traumatic than what some of them went through to need the procedure in the first place.”
I will also challenge readers at dverse Open Mic… perhaps I’ll get some flack. In fact, I hope I do, if only to open the door for mutually understanding and conversation. May every child be a wanted child, Amy
Oct 14, 2012 @ 16:24:32
Doesn’t matter what your beliefs are concerning abortion, knowing it is a medical procedure with devastating emotional impact on the patient means a lot.
You found a somber, reasonable, poetic way to deliver an important message.
amazing
Oct 17, 2012 @ 00:54:14
Wow, Lance, I’m always so grateful for the men’s point of view on these. Thank you for your comment… indeed! A
Oct 14, 2012 @ 17:11:10
You certainly don’t avoid the big issues… there’s so many unfair judgements made on people in situations such as this… you really bring home a strong message here. Well done!
Oct 17, 2012 @ 00:57:43
Shy is not a word used concerning me. It once was, before I figured things out. Also, manic depression brings out a certain flair…!!
I was taught from early on by my civil rights mom to speak out on behalf of those who may not have the big power. I don’t presume, but I do notice injustuce, and having noticed it, act. Simple, huh? Thanks, Cat! Amy
Oct 17, 2012 @ 01:01:37
Good for you…and what a wonderful mum… keep speaking out!
Oct 14, 2012 @ 17:12:52
a very important post
Oct 14, 2012 @ 17:52:25
Now that is a truly powerful and meaningful piece. There are too many doctors who only see each patient as a paycheck, not as an individual. Those cold ones need to leave the practice and make room for those who care.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 00:59:03
I despair at the lack of caring doctors coming up, because they are taught bad habits by the older residents… but I have two great dox, one MD and one psychiatrist, and I’m old enough to be both their moms! Thanks, Dienna. A
Oct 14, 2012 @ 18:25:07
well said, and kudos to that nurse. (oh, god, please don’t hate me but I think there may be a typo? in the fifth stanza, ‘…vacuumed her whom…’, you mean womb, I know you do) I’ve been this ‘doctor’s’ patient, and he’s the reason I’ve been taking my lady parts to Planned Parenthood for the past 20 years. thank you for another timely and thoughtful post.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 01:11:46
Hey, Mama. I wore my pajamas all day today, preparing for our big trip to CA Thursday!
Planned Parenthood is an organization we support with what bucks we can spare. I’ve never used them; I only know all the pap screenings they do, the education, the free condoms and BC pills. This may all be taken away (even if you have insurance through your employer, if HE “disagrees with abortion and birth control” for “reasons of conscience,” meaning he has none. Even pharmacies are no longer stocking Morning After pills because of this BS reasoning.
Make no mistake, it is a war on women, and they truly believe they are doing God’s work while conveniently skipping over all the messages Jesus gave about taking care of each other… The irony is too damned thick. Bless you for your stand, and for not being shy! Amy
Oct 14, 2012 @ 18:47:51
Too many cold and callous people work in the health care field nowadays, Amelita. A powerful write on controversial subject. You know in Mexico there are no “legal” abortions and people don’t generally talk about these type of things.
Pamela
Oct 17, 2012 @ 01:16:30
Wow, like the old days when people whispered the word “cancer.” And yes, I know it’s illegal… and you know how that goes. Drano douches, coat hangers and probes and back alleys. And STILL the men (especially Latin men, for some reason) will not wear condoms, and the women are brainwashed into thinking they should be subservient. So no condom, and the woman is left holding the bag. And the family blames HER. Frustration, thy name is unprotected sex.
Thanks, Pamelita! Amelita
Oct 14, 2012 @ 19:58:33
Such a meaningful and moving piece—you outline the heart or lack thereof so well
Oct 14, 2012 @ 20:22:32
Doctors often forget they are doctors not judges. Isn’t there something about not doing the patient any harm? What a great voice you have Amy!
Oct 14, 2012 @ 21:01:52
ugh on his attitude…brutal…the catalog flipping at the end is a great touch adding to his ambivelence…at least the nurse tried to speak her mind but what good does it…
Oct 14, 2012 @ 21:34:23
Two things: medical professionals can be most unprofessional when it comes to bedside manner; and my views on abortion are rooted in the back-alley butchers that existed before abortion was legal (no more coat hangers).
Oct 14, 2012 @ 21:41:12
Social issue in need of telling; and done without soft-soaping;
thank you, dear poet…
Oct 14, 2012 @ 21:53:42
Amy, your voice rings strong and true. I could see him, and the girl and nurse, so clearly. Love your notes after, happy the nurse went on to work where her compassion was well-placed and appreciated.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 01:43:20
Sherry, you are a compassionate person, so I knew this would ring true for you. So glad – relieved, really – to have such positive response on this post.
Oct 15, 2012 @ 00:13:58
This is something that gets onto me. In illegal cases it’s done in unhealthy situations where 1) a young girl needs help and 2) an unscrupulous abortionist is looking for vacation money. Anything wrong that arises and no one takes responsibility. At least you’ve shown there are nurses and others with conscience to counter such happenings. Carry on the good work, Amy! Unsung in your endeavors but for a noble cause! Great write!
Hank
Oct 15, 2012 @ 00:53:47
It is amazing that such a man could end up doing that particular job. Insensitivity and the inability to put himself in the place of the patient should have no place in medicine, full stop. You’ve said it well, Amy.
Oct 15, 2012 @ 02:14:45
Thank you for this post. There are still uncaring doctors out there dealing with already traumatised young women and I thought that things were changing. I loved your notes and am delighted that the nurse left to work in a more caring environment. I am sure she will be much happier there.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 01:47:07
Amen and amen, sister! Coming to your blog now! Peace, A
Oct 15, 2012 @ 13:51:43
Not sure that clicking “like ” is appropriate for this.
And the nurse you describe at the end is a model of how all should be. Because isn’t giving comfort one of the main purposes of religion?
Oct 15, 2012 @ 15:00:20
Right on as always!
Oct 15, 2012 @ 15:49:45
Amy, this got me nauseous (as it should) part because you are so good at painting images and part to think of someone being so callous. It is wonderful to know that nun created a safe place, where she could be herself. Thank you for this.
Oct 16, 2012 @ 01:39:27
Wow! That was outstanding. Great job!
Oct 16, 2012 @ 19:07:46
Amy, you are good at what you do. I am so angry right now! I was just checking in to see what you’re up to and now I’m pissed. But in a good way of course. It’s always good to get the juices flowing and already I’m inspired to sit and do some writing. .Thank you!
Oct 16, 2012 @ 19:59:47
The medical profession is not known for its civilised behaviour or compassion
True Story
Guy with pregnant wife goes to doctor for results of a test.
Doctor ” Do you have a job?”
Guy”Yes”
Doctor “well you wont have one for much longer, your prognosis is about 12 months,best get your affairs in order”
Oct 16, 2012 @ 21:19:18
That beats the surgeon who looking over my head said “Your husband is going to die tonight”. Great bedside manner.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 01:32:26
You tell an awful tale Amy ~ so sad, mad and bad that these so-called doctors are allowed to get away with it. The final stanza double underlines the loathsomeness of the doctor ~ awesome write.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 07:55:49
ugh…i’m glad that at least the nurse tried to comfort her a bit…this is so tough..ugh on the doctor’s attitude..
Oct 17, 2012 @ 10:41:16
Another hard hitting post, Amy. You do drive the message home
Well done.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 11:34:38
Heart-rending. Whatever the issue, no one has the right to judge another and I can help but feel that the doctor is the one who is blame-full. I am not “pro-abortion” but I empathize with the pain you depict and want to give that young girl a hug and any support I could. No easy answers here.
Oct 17, 2012 @ 11:37:54
That should read “CAN”T help but feel…”
Oct 17, 2012 @ 13:12:48
Such a sad and vivid picture to paint. Victimizing the victim. Some of the most compassionate people I know are doctors – and nurses – the very best. But I have also known a couple of physicians like the one you describe – if only there could be a law against callous and inflammatory behavior at times of greatest vulnerability. The next health care reform?!?
Oct 17, 2012 @ 19:49:24
Holy crap. Thank god for the nurse. Powerful write Amy.
Oct 18, 2012 @ 22:34:27
Just incredible, Amy!
Oct 21, 2012 @ 19:22:44
I don’t have a high opinion of the medical field world and you have made a point. They always talk about a ‘good bedside manner’…well, I’m here to tell you that it is a rare thing. Well done! Would like your comment on a post I just did, Amy, if you have the time. Thanks! http://reneejustturtleflight.com/2012/10/21/the-market/
Oct 27, 2012 @ 01:11:51
Art does that…. challenges … well true art does as its not all flowers n roses
Oct 30, 2012 @ 16:15:52
oh my gosh…i’m glad you wrote about this. thanks for not skirting around the real issues here. x