Anarcha, Betsey, Lucy, and Dr. J. Marion Sims
Monument to memorialize Anarcha, Betsey and Lucy, created by artist Michelle Browder in Montgomery, AL.
Enslaved Women and the Roots of Modern Gynecology
Dr. Keith C. Mages
Dr. J. Marion Sims, known as the "father of modern gynecology", is credited with discovering a reliable surgical repair for vesicovaginal fistulas, a complication of traumatic childbirth which was previously untreatable. This 19th century breakthrough was enabled through experimental surgeries performed upon enslaved Black women, primarily three: Anarcha, Betsey, and Lucy. Using historical documents and photographs, along with contemporary poetry and art, this presentation will explore the lives, contributions, and sacrifices of these women, their relationships with Dr. Sims, and the complicated reality behind this important surgical advancement.
About Dr. Keith C. Mages
Dr. Keith C. Mages, MLS '05, BS '01, is Curator of the Robert L. Brown History of Medicine Collection, part of the University at Buffalo Libraries. Prior to his appointment, he was the Norton M. Luger, M.D. Clinical Librarian for the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. He has a Ph.D. in Nursing History from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.S.N in Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing from Yale University, and a M.L.S. in Librarianship and B.S. in Nursing from the University at Buffalo. His research and teaching portfolio reflect his interests in the history of health care, especially regarding professional & patient education.