Women Alive
Women's Rights
From Take Charge of Your Body: A Woman's Guide to Health
Fall 1998
An important part of taking charge of one's health is remembering that, should you choose to exercise them, you have certain rights as a consumer.
- I have a right to be treated as an equal human being.
- I have a right to be listened to and have my problems taken seriously.
- I have a right to an explanation that I can understand in my native language on any questions concerning my health care.
- I have a right to know the choice I face in getting tested for any health problem, and to have the possible side-effects of any drugs of surgical treatments clearly explained.
- I have a right to choose the types of treatment I prefer from among the options offered to me by my doctor.
- I have a right for normal events in my life, such a pregnancy and menopause, not to be treated as diseases requiring treatment.
- I have a right to choose natural therapies and not be ridiculed for doing so.
- I have a right to request a second opinion on any major surgery of health decision.
- I have a right to refuse any drug or surgical treatment.
- I have a responsibility to become knowledgeable about my body and how it works.
- I have a responsibility to learn as much as possible about my health problems so I can make informed choices.
- I have a responsibility to exercise, look after my diet, reduce stress and relax on a regular basis.
- I have a responsibility to avoid pressuring my doctor into giving me drugs when I don't need them.
- I have a responsibility to prepare my questions for my doctor beforehand and to schedule adequate appointment time to discuss them.
- I'm ultimately responsible for my healthcare, using my doctor as a resource rather than an authority.
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