Carol Downer, a prominent figure in the feminist women's health movement, passed away on January 13th in Glendale, California. She was 91 years old. Downer gained national recognition for her involvement in the "Great Yogurt Conspiracy," a case where she was accused of practicing medicine without a license for using yogurt to treat a yeast infection.
Downer's daughter, Angela Booth, confirmed her mother's death, stating that she had suffered a heart attack a few weeks prior. In the late 1960s, Downer, a self-described housewife and mother of six, joined the women's movement and became involved in the abortion committee of her local chapter of the National Organization for Women. This involvement stemmed from her own experience with an illegal abortion, which she was determined to prevent others from enduring.
Downer's activism coincided with the development of a safer and less painful abortion technique by psychologist Harvey Karman. This technique involved suctioning the lining of a woman's uterus and was a significant improvement over the traditional dilation and curettage method. Karman used this technique to perform early-term abortions and trained other doctors in its use.
10 Comments
Africa
Her story highlights the challenges women faced in accessing safe and legal abortions. We owe her a debt of gratitude for her activism.
Muchacha
I don't understand why someone would choose yogurt over proven medical treatments. This puts women's health at risk.
Donatello
While I understand the desperation that led to these actions, I hope we can learn from them and advocate for safe and accessible healthcare for all women.
Raphael
Let's honor Carol Downer's fight for women's health while acknowledging that her methods were not the solution. We can do better.
Leonardo
Her story is a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful actions are those taken outside the established system.
ZmeeLove
She took a stand against a system that failed women, and that's something we should never forget.
Muchacha
While the "Great Yogurt Conspiracy" may seem unorthodox now, it was a necessary act of defiance against oppressive medical practices.
Africa
Let's not confuse bravery with recklessness. Carol Downer's actions, while well-intentioned, put women's health at risk.
Muchacha
I believe in safe and legal abortion, but I don't support promoting unproven methods that could have severe consequences.
Pupsik
This is a sad reminder of a time when women had limited access to healthcare. But it's important to remember that things have changed, and we shouldn't romanticize these outdated methods.