BLACK HISTORY MONTH
SPOTLIGHT ON REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE 

Not Your Experiment: The Experimentation of African Americans in the name of “Medical Advancement” 

Written by Taylor Spears, MD, Reproductive Health Project Fellow

As a Black woman in medicine, I recognize the history of medicine and its effect on minority populations, specifically the African American population, are often responsible for the distrust that is frequently observed in patient rooms today. 

Far too often, Black women and men have been subjected to harmful conditions and used as nonconsenting experiments under the guise of “medical advancement.” 

From the Tuskegee Experiment, to government environmental experiments on urban communities, to physical and surgical experimentation experienced by enslaved people. In my position as Reproductive Health Project Fellow, in this first week of Black History Month, I feel it is most appropriate to bring acknowledgement to the Mothers of Gynecology.

Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy were enslaved black, teenage girls in Montgomery County, Alabama in the 1840’s. Without consent, they were subjected to gynecologic experimentation by Dr. J. Marion Sims. During these experiments, there was no pain management administered for even the slightest bit of comfort for these women, in what was already an inevitably uncomfortable situation both psychologically and physically. 

Dr. Sims’ “medical treatment” was sought by the enslavers of Betsey, Anarcha, and Lucy after they experienced long term complications of childbirth. Sims experimented on at least ten enslaved women during this time, some undergoing 30 or more procedures. These procedures were often witnessed by other curious physicians; and, as enslaved people, consent was not a legal requirement, as slaves were viewed as property. 

Sims went on to be known for his “discoveries”, some being discontinued shortly after, while the young ladies used in these experiments were forgotten in the background of history. It should be noted that the enslavers of these women likely sought treatment driven by their desire for these women to continue working and childbearing. Even today, black women’s pain is not taken seriously nor is it managed properly. Only recently, were the Mothers of Gynecology recognized for their involuntary contributions to the field of medicine. Today, we share our empathy and gratitude for the Mothers of Gynecology.

“Reproductive Justice is a framework that focuses on the combination of reproductive rights, human rights, and social justice.” – Loretta Ross

Resources

• Anarcha, Lucy, & Betsey
• APGO – Betsey, Lucy, and Anarcha Days of Recognition
• Explore Reclaiming Our Time Exhibit – The Mothers of Gynecology Museum

Deeper Dives

The Mothers of Gynecology: What Medicine Owes Anarcha, Betsey & Lucy

Elevate Black Wellness (12min) – Link

• Mothers of Gynecology, University of Michigan, Center for History, Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Ethics and Medicine (2hrs)
  Speakers include: Michelle Browder, Drs. Lisa Harris, Veronica Pimentel, Althea Maybank and Miss Raven Ford – Link
• Abortion Rights in the States: Anti-Abortion State Policies and Strategies to Expect in 2026, Reproaction – Link
• Many Paths, One Movement: Approaches to Abortion Advocacy, The Sexual and Reproductive Justice Hub at CUNY School of Public Health – Link

This post is excerpted from our AMSA Reproductive Health Project eNews #64 – February 7, 2026 – Honor Their Contribution, Say Their Names: Anarcha, Betsey & Lucy

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