The century old tradition of surgically desexing women.

The Conference about the alternatives to and consequences of the surgery and the Play about the medical, social, economic and political issues surrounding hysterectomy.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Nora W. Coffey
                 610/667-7757

The century old tradition of surgically desexing women:

Hysterectomy: The Conference And The Play

   Approximately twenty million living American women over the age of 15 have been hysterectomized. The medical consequences of the surgery range widely from neurological damage to loss of physical sexual sensation, from urinary incontinence to dislocation of pelvic organs. The impact of these and other sequelae is permanent -- lasting throughout these womens lives.

   According to Nora W. Coffey, president of the HERS Foundation, "Most women are not warned that hysterectomy disassembles their anatomical and physiological integrity. Nor are they told about the damage caused to their nerves, blood vessels, bladder, bowel, vagina, and other internal structures and tissues. They will learn of these only after the fact.

   The HERS Foundation will address these and other issues, including alternatives to hysterectomy; unconsented hysterectomy; the sexual, social and financial consequences; and overall quality of life following the operation at the HERS Twenty-Third Hysterectomy Conference on February 7 and 8 in New York.

   On Saturday, February 7, a day-long conference will feature medical and legal experts, a panel of women who have been hysterectomized and a round table discussion among the participants and audience members. Topics will include "Common Gynecological Conditions and Their Treatment", "The Female Pelvis", "What Women Report After Hysterectomy", and "Medical Malpractice." Sybil Shainwald, a New York attorney and womens health advocate will be the keynote speaker.

   On Sunday, February 8, HERS moves from a hotel conference site to a mid-town theater for a performance of Rick Schweikerts "un becoming", a play with hysterectomy entangled in the lives of eight people who are variously: sexual, sexy, or not, in love or in lust, or not, and whose complex needs and desires are ultimately fulfilled -- or not.

For further information contact:

Nora W. Coffey
HERS Foundation (610) 667-7757 www.hersfoundation.org