Hi Everyone,

We just reached 500 signatures! I and the group of activists I am working with are so overwhelmed at the amount of people this has reached in so little time, and want to thank everyone who has signed, commented, and contributed to this petition. With your support, we are confident that we can end forced educational pelvic and prostate exams in Connecticut!

For those who have shared their own stories of medical trauma, I want to thank you and let you know that you are not alone - there is a whole community of survivors that sees and supports you. I am sorry for what was done to you and I promise you that we are going to give everything we have in our efforts to end these practices and protect others from future harm. 

I also want to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to actively advocate for yourselves when accessing healthcare. Read consent forms, cross out anything that bothers you, and specifically write in anything that you are absolutely not alright with. Bring a support person with you to appointments if it helps you - a friend, a loved one, a doula specifically for OBGYN care, etc. Know that you can tell your providers "no" if something makes you uncomfortable, and if you are unsure of something ask as many questions as you want/need. If you do not want students or trainees involved, cross out any lines that mentions their participation and specifically write in that you do not consent to student or trainee involvement in your care. If you are having a procedure or starting with a new practice, ask them to send you consent forms ahead of time so you can read them at your own pace, rather than having to rush through them in the waiting room. 

Lastly, a huge shoutout to the healthcare providers who have signed and shown their support here. We do not want this campaign to even seem as though it is a negative commentary on the healthcare profession writ large, and we want you to know that we see you out there working tirelessly every day to provide compassionate, dignified, and safe care even under the most trying circumstances. You all really are heroes, and we see you and celebrate you. 

Thank you!!!