In the field of medicine, women oftentimes face discrimination, one that is difficult to distinguish without proper nuance. Specifically, a large number of clinical studies, research and other types of medical tests use white men as their basis, while other groups are excluded. As a result, the effects of specific medical components, treatment methods and approaches are not properly understood. This topic is widely discussed in feminist theory and other social justice movements. For feminist scholars, the under-representation of women as clinical subjects is an ongoing struggle and an issue that requires addressing.
Considering the case of fetal development viruses, the research effort should primarily target women. Fetal development-related conditions are relevant for biological females, meaning that they should be active participants in any research regarding this topic. An inability to study a condition on an appropriate demographic has the potential to negatively affect the validity of medical conclusions or be completely ineffective. According to present feminist thought and concerns of social justice, women should be adequately represented in studies that concern them. Canadian feminist philosopher Susan Sherwin writes, “Women ought to be represented proportionately
to their health risk in any clinical studies likely to be of benefit to subject populations” (Sherwin, 1994). In addition, the argument can be made for women’s inclusion in clinical trials and research regardless of its nature. The lack of women’s presence in clinical studies represents a significant case of injustice, one that is sure to “result in less effective healthcare for (some) women” (Sherwin, 1994). Naturally, there is a valid concern over the clinical trial’s ability to influence female wellness or put a disproportionate burden on women. Despite the potential strain clinical trials induce, it would be impossible to protect the well-being of women or improve their health outcomes without women’s involvement in the process.
References
Sherwin, S. (1994). Women in clinical studies: feminist view. Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, 3(4), 533-538.