"Throughout their lives, women put their bodies in the hands of gynecologists. Paternalism, sexism, brutal exams, misplaced or guilty speech, humiliation, lack of consent, superfluous episiotomy, abusive triggers ... "
The tone is given in the first lines of the cover of the book by Melanie Dechalotte, an independent journalist and documentary filmmaker at France Culture, which publishes this October 5, 2017 a voluntarily provocative title: "The Black Book of Gynecology" * ( First ed).

Denouncing the sometimes awkward and sometimes odious words and actions of some caregivers, the author has compiled dozens of accounts of women traumatized by their different experiences in the medical community.

Previously taboo narratives, locked behind the walls of hospitals and medical practices, which should undoubtedly give some teeth to those responsible for reporting on obstetric violence, the report of which will be detailed in March 2018 , has just announced the Secretary of State for Equality Women-Men, Marlene Schiappa.

In anticipation of these initial conclusions and, hopefully, measures to stop these practices and to improve the patient-doctor dialogue, here are some eloquent excerpts.

About gynecological consultation

The background : Myriam, 18, has a vaginal thrush but does not know it yet. Embarrassed by burning and itching in the mucous membranes, and without a gynecologist, she goes to the family planning. There, she explains the reason for her consultation.

The words of too much : those of the gynecologist who receives it. "Are you 18 years old and have you had six sexual partners before? "

About contraception

The background : Anne, 22, looking for emergency contraception and after being lectured by her neighborhood pharmacist, goes to a gynecologist found in the Yellow Pages. The latter obliges him to a gynecological examination.

The words of too much : during the said examination, while the practitioner has two fingers in his vagina. "And that night was how? (...) It was like that, tonight? You feel it well? "

In the case of a request for abortion

The background : Rachel is 33, pregnant and in full separation at the material time. She decides to terminate her pregnancy. During a control ultrasound, the gynecologist, informed of his wish, asks him to look at the "face on the screen".

The words of too much : "No, but here I do not abort you. I am not a butcher. Look at him, madam. Look at it well ... "

After a miscarriage

The background : At age 25, Alice learns of the death of her baby at 8 weeks of pregnancy during a control examination in the office. She is redirected to the emergency room of the hospital where she is offered an aspiration, "as for an abortion". At the act, several students are present.

The words of too much : "Go Marie, empty me this uterus", from the chief gynecologist to an intern. But also: "That's good, you're a docile woman. Usually women, when touched, they squeak.

At the time of delivery

The context : Jeanne wants a physiological birth, under medical supervision but not invasive. Her delivery will occur sooner than expected, her pocket of water having cracked before term. She suffers a lot, for long hours.

The words of too much : At the time of childbirth "It's good there, you'll shut up! We know that you are in pain. It's useless to chouin '. After the episiotomy -processed without "a word", so without consent: "But stop stirring like that, it does not make my job easier. "

* "The black book of gynecology", Mélanie Dechalotte, First editions. Release October 5, 2017, 18.95 euros.