The Impact and Influence of Our Bodies Ourselves
Inspiring the Women's Health Movement
Beginning in 1970 with the publication of the first edition of “Our Bodies, Ourselves,” the Our Bodies Ourselves organization has inspired the women’s health movement by:
- Producing books and web content that make accurate health and sexuality information accessible to a broad audience by weaving women’s stories into a framework of practical, clearly written text;
- Identifying and collaborating with exemplary individuals and organizations that provide services, generate research and policy analysis, and organize for social change;
- Inspiring and empowering women to become engaged in the political aspects of sustaining good health for themselves and their communities.
Changing the Public Discourse
Our Bodies Ourselves has introduced these key ideas into the public discourse on women’s health:
- Women, as informed health consumers, are catalysts for social change.
- Women can become their own health experts, particularly through discussing issues of health and sexuality with each other.
- Health consumers have a right to know about controversies surrounding medical practices and about where consensus among medical experts may be forming.
- Women comprise the largest segment of health workers, health consumers, and health decision-makers for their families and communities, but are underrepresented in positions of influence and policy making.
- A pathology/disease approach to normal life events (birthing, menopause, aging, death) is not an effective way in which to consider health or structure a health system.
A Unique Perspective
In all of our work, we seek to create content that:
- Is evidence-based, accurate and trustworthy
- Uses accessible language and tone
- Includes women’s voices and experiences
- Critiques the cultural, political, corporate, and ideological forces that shape the health and human rights of women and girls
- Emphasizes individual and collective empowerment
The Impact on Readers
Over the years, many readers have talked about what "Our Bodies, Ourselves" has meant to them and shared their experiences with the book and its impact on their lives.
They have recalled how they first discovered “Our Bodies, Ourselves” (peeked at their aunt’s copy, found it in a used bookstore…). They described what they learned about periods, sex and more, and how the book helped them to become comfortable with their bodies and sexuality. Some also wrote about how it inspired them to become a physician or midwife, or to take up a political cause.
