How do these 'real-life' depictions of female health concerns make you feel?
Have you ever noticed that when it comes to healthcare, the images shared of women often tick the same old boxes?
You pick up a leaflet in your GP's waiting room and no matter what the healthcare issue being addressed is, all the imagery looks the same. That being: white, slim, hairless, young, and able-bodied women.
When let's be honest – in reality, there is no 'normal' when it comes to women's bodies. And even less so when it comes to discussing female health.
Not only are these images harmful to women's individual body image, we know that when women don’t fit within this historically biased image (particularly mothers, BIPOC women, and those who have traditionally fallen outside of commonly portrayed bodies), their representation is eliminated and ultimately, they don’t receive the healthcare they need.
Which is why Peanut (a women's online community and app) has launched a new campaign to change how medical images of women are shared and not only are the images beautiful, but they're also so important.
From IVF bruising and real PCOS symptoms to birth, loss and menopause – The Reframing Revolution Digital Gallery is a collection of medical illustrations that address the lack of representation in women’s healthcare, celebrates all forms of motherhood, and accurately reflect the diversity of women.
Informed by doctors and medical illustrators, the bank of images features real representation – and will be available to serve as an important resource for anyone learning about or discussing women’s health:
IVF Bruising
PCOS
Linea nigra
Pregnancy breast changes
Ectopic pregnancy
Vaginal birth
Stillbirth
Postpartum body
Jaundice in babies
Breastfeeding
Hot flashes
Vulvas
The full gallery is available, royalty-free for women, media, and the medical community to adapt into practices, journals, and more.
And you know what? We love to see it.
Here's hoping this will offer a great step in the right direction for the healthcare world - and authentic representation of women's bodies. Because we all deserve to feel seen.
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