Consent, Pelvic Exams, and Medical Training: A Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Medical students often learn to perform pelvic exams on anesthetized patients before gynecological surgeries. In some cases, explicit consent is not sought. Why is this happening? How should we respond?

Recent years have seen increased attention on the topic of consent for intimate exams performed by medical trainees on patients under anesthesia, both in the media and in peer-reviewed literature. In the United States, legislation requiring consent for pelvic and other intimate exams has been signed into law in over 20 states. Canadians have been largely silent on this issue since a brief discussion took place over a decade ago. This event will initiate a national conversation about the topic of consent and intimate educational exams. A screening of the documentary ‘At Your Cervix’, which examines the history of this topic in the US, will be followed by a brief presentation of recent data collected from medical students across Canada.

This event will include a screening of the documentary film ‘At Your Cervix’ (trailer here) and a panel discussion.

Panelists:

A’magine - Director - Producer ‘At Your Cervix’

Marlihan Lopez - Black Feminist / Community Organizer

Victoria De Braga - Medical Student

Phoebe Friesen - Medical Ethicist

Facilitator:

Ariane K. Métellus - Sexual and Reproductive Health / Advocate and Consultant

Sponsored by:

Medical Class of 1970
Department of Equity, Ethics, and Policy
Department of Social Studies of Medicine
Centre de Recherche en Éthique
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Institute for Gender Sexuality and Feminist Studies
Office for Sexual Violence Response Support and Education
iMPACTS
Research Group on Health Law
McGill Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group
Feminism in Medicine Club
Whole Person Care Interest Group