A woman went viral online after refusing surgery in a room full of male doctors, drawing both support from women with similar experiences and accusations of sexism. Lily Griffiths posted a TikTok video on April 29, showing herself in a hospital gown, contemplating in what appears to be the hospital bathroom. The video has amassed nearly 13 million views.
The TikTok user apologized to any male doctors she might have offended by declining surgery in a room exclusively filled with men. She explained that she became emotional and insisted on having a female present until one arrived to assist with holding her down and administering sedation, as indicated in the text shown in the video.
In a cryptic caption, Lily admitted her difficulty in processing the events of the past four days, simply stating, “Not sure how else to process the last 4 days tbh x.” Many viewers empathized with Lily’s experience. One person shared a similar ordeal, mentioning, “Don’t apologize. I was also panicked until my nurse assured me she’d be there throughout, even holding my hand while I was sedated because I was scared.” Lily responded to this comment by praising nurses, emphasizing they deserve immense appreciation.
“Never apologize!” another person commented. “The healthcare system has a long history of mistreating women; you have every right to feel safe and have your needs met.” The medical field has a troubling past of cruelty and gender discrimination, perpetuating harmful practices and biases. For instance, Dr. J. Marion Sims, considered the “father of modern gynecology,” conducted experimental surgeries on enslaved African American women in the 1800s without anesthesia, as documented by History.
Medical News Today discusses the historical misdiagnosis of “hysteria” in women, which often resulted in the neglect of genuine health concerns. On TikTok, a user expressed gratitude toward a female anesthesiologist who advocated for her during surgery. The video also sparked conversations about the unethical practice of the “husband stitch” during post-childbirth repairs, with women sharing their painful experiences. Lily’s video has garnered mixed reactions, with some accusing her of sexism while others support her choice for female healthcare providers. Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology suggests that women may prefer female healthcare providers due to perceived empathy and better communication, especially during sensitive medical procedures.