The Conversation, an online newsletter originally based in the United Kingdom and Australia, recently launched its US edition. On Oct. 30 they published an interesting “conversation” about the history behind the “father of modern gynecology” that discusses his early work on surgical repair of obstetrical fistulas. Like much early experimental medical procedures, it was often the poorest, most vulnerable women who were used as subjects (in this case slaves) so the lack of consent is concerning. Yet these “experiments” often ended up helping people in the greatest need. It is an interesting ethical discussion that has value for young researchers and doctors. Informed consent today is much more regulated and monitored with legal oversight. The article in its entirety can be accessed HERE.