Reappraisals of J. Marion Sims

Sims' development of a repair for vesicovaginal fistula introduced the present epoch of gynecology. He remained professionally active for 30 years thereafter and achieved national and international reputation. He continued to contribute medically until his death. Sims was extravagantly eulogized. Now, 90 years later, he is being roundly denounced for using slaves as experimental subjects and for doing multiple procedures on hapless women. One must however be skeptical of judging 1850 decisions by 1975 norms. Sims undoubtedly exploited the misery of his patients but their abject state must be remembered. Sims was insensitive to the status and needs of women, but in that he was a product of his era. His medical achievements have borne up well in the test of time.