13. Women’s Health Movements

Women’s health movements have historically aimed to address the unique health needs and rights of women, often advocating for better medical care, reproductive rights, and research focused on women’s health issues. Beginning in the late 19th century and intensifying during the feminist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, these movements challenged male-dominated medical practices and sought to empower women in making health decisions. They also emphasized issues like childbirth, contraception, and sexual health, leading to significant changes in healthcare access and policies, ultimately promoting a more inclusive understanding of women's health in medicine.