OTTAWA — Senator Amina Gerba from Quebec has revealed her shocking experience of undergoing a surgical procedure in 2005 that left her without the ability to conceive children, which she claims she was never informed about by her doctor. Gerba aims to use her story to highlight the ongoing issue of systemic racism in Canada's healthcare system while supporting legislation intended to criminalize forced or coerced sterilizations.
In an emotional address to her Senate colleagues earlier this month, Gerba recounted her journey, stating, “I never wanted to be seen as someone who played the victim. I always fought to move forward.” Despite her initial reluctance to speak out, she felt compelled to share her experience, as it echoed the struggles of many other women, particularly from marginalized communities.
Gerba's medical troubles began years prior to her surgery, marked by severe menstrual pain and excessive bleeding that culminated in her nearly fainting at an airport. Her gynecologist recommended an endometrial ablation to alleviate these symptoms. While such a procedure can improve heavy menstruation, it doesn’t guarantee that a woman will remain able to have children. Despite the risks associated with pregnancy post-ablation, Gerba believed she had only undergone a minor procedure.
After the surgery, Gerba experienced relief from her symptoms and assumed her health was restored. It wasn't until 2016, during treatment for another medical issue, that she learned from her doctor that she no longer had a uterus. Confused and shocked, she expressed disbelief at this revelation, as she had not been informed of the complete removal of her uterus—an operation known as a hysterectomy. She had expected only the removal of tissue causing her heavy periods.
Upon investigating further, Gerba found that her gynecologist had retired, and the hospital provided her new doctor with medical records confirming that her uterus had been removed without her knowledge. While hospital documents included a generic consent form for necessary procedures, Gerba noted that it lacked specific information about the removal of her uterus. She expressed her uncertainty about whether the surgical team intended to remove her uterus or if it was done out of necessity due to unexpected findings during the procedure.
Despite already being a mother of four at 44, Gerba insisted that women should be thoroughly informed about such irreversible procedures. Her testimony intersects with broader issues of systemic racism, especially after hearing the accounts of Indigenous women who have similarly faced coerced sterilization or other discriminatory medical practices. She stressed that the problem transcends individual experiences, affecting individuals identified as Indigenous, Black, or disabled, who may often be underestimated in their capacity to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.
During her time on the Senate's human-rights committee, Gerba’s experience resonated deeply as she listened to the testimonies of Indigenous women, many of whom shared their own painful stories. Reflecting on her own experience, she noted, “I realized that I was actually a victim of this.” In advocating for Bill S-228, aimed at criminalizing coerced sterilizations, Gerba illuminated a dark reality about the mistreatment of women of color in the healthcare system.
In her speech, Gerba highlighted the term “misogynoir,” which refers to the unique blend of racial and gender bias experienced by Black women. She pointed out disturbing patterns in medical treatment, where Black patients often receive inadequate pain management due to pervasive stereotypes about their pain tolerance. Research has shown that many white medical students hold these harmful beliefs, leading to discriminatory practices in medical care.
Moreover, Gerba cited the case of Joyce Echaquan, an Indigenous woman who tragically died in a Quebec hospital after filming her own suffering as healthcare workers responded with blatant disrespect and prejudice. Gerba’s own suspicions about potential bias in her treatment arise from the contrast in identities of her current family doctor, a Black woman, and the original gynecologist, a white man who performed her surgery.
Gerba has thus taken on the responsibility to advocate for those who lack a voice, bringing attention to health disparities rooted in systemic racism. Acknowledging that the healthcare system requires significant transformation, she declared, “I can no longer keep silent.” Her push for timely legislative action on Bill S-228 highlights her commitment to ensuring that systemic issues are addressed and that such violations become criminalized.
As the House of Commons considers Bill S-228, which recently passed its final Senate vote, Gerba remains resolute in her mission to protect the rights of vulnerable populations in Canada’s healthcare system. Her powerful testimony underscores the urgent need for a cultural shift within the medical community to ensure informed consent and equitable treatment for all patients.
