Carol Downer, a prominent figure in the feminist women’s health movement, passed away on January 13 in Glendale, California. She was 91 years old. Her daughter, Angela Booth, confirmed that Downer had suffered a heart attack a few weeks prior to her death.
In the late 1960s, Downer was a housewife and mother of six when she became involved in the women’s movement. Her past experiences, including having an illegal abortion, pushed her to advocate for women’s rights, specifically working on the abortion committee of her local chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW).
At the time, a psychologist named Harvey Karman developed a safer method for performing abortions using suction to remove the uterus lining. This technique was quicker, safer, and less painful than traditional methods. Karman trained doctors to use this technique, sparking interest among women like Downer.
Downer and other activists believed the technique was simple enough to perform without medical training. They trained themselves to carry out the procedure. Another member of NOW, Lorraine Rothman, took Karman’s work further by creating a kit called the Del-Em. This kit included a flexible tube, syringe, and jar, and enabled women to perform what they referred to as “menstrual extractions.” This term was a clever way to describe a procedure that helped manage menstrual flow.
Carol Downer’s life and work highlighted the importance of women’s control over their bodies and the right to safe health care. Her contributions to the women’s movement have had a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to advocate for reproductive rights.
Check out this related article: Unlock Your Child’s Potential: ADF’s Essential Guide for Parents on Education and Healthcare Rights
Source linkDowner, Carol,Deaths (Obituaries),Women’s Rights,Women and Girls,Gynecology and Gynecologists,Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers (Nonprofit)
