I Fired My OB/GYN Because She Supported Donald Trump
On November 9, the day after the election, I had an annual appointment with my OB/GYN, whom I've seen for more than 15 years. It was such a weird day - I was walking around in shock and disbelief that Donald Trump had just been elected President of the United States. I'd voted for Hillary Clinton and had cried myself to sleep watching the results roll in. In the middle of the night, I'd woken up in a panic, sure that Trump winning was just a nightmare.
While lying on the exam table that afternoon, I started a conversation with my doctor. I had never discussed politics with her or any other doctor before, but I had also never felt so devastated by the outcome of an election. It was the only thing I could think about.
"Can you believe Trump is going to be our president?" I asked her, assuming she would commiserate.
"I'm excited for what he'll be able to do for our economy," she replied. "He's going to do great things for us."
I felt a wave of anxiety, and my blood began to boil. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I kept my mouth shut, because I didn't want to get into a confrontation while she had a speculum inside me. It was hell. I had to lay there and be polite and, as soon as she was finished, I left as quickly as I could.
Since I was a teenager, I had been really happy with her as my doctor. My mom has been a patient of hers for more than 20 years. But I suddenly felt like this woman who I'd trusted with my health for more than a decade was someone I couldn't relate to on a human level. I don't think she's a bad person, but I was disgusted she could support a candidate who brags about sexually assaulting women and had promised mass deportations.
As a woman in my 30s, I'm entering a new chapter of my life. I'm planning on starting a family soon, and freedom of choice, and making decisions about my body are of utmost importance to me. I can't wrap my head around the fact that a female doctor could support a man who says things like "Grab them by the pussy!" I'm pro-choice and she supported a presidential candidate who said women who seek abortions should be subject to "some form of punishment."
My doctor seemed more impressed with President Trump's plan to reduce taxes, and I care more about human rights. I'm a small business owner in California, and the majority of my team is made up of immigrants. I love my employees and consider them family. Without them and their dedication and skill, I wouldn't be operating a successful company. Trump's executive order banning travel from majority-Muslim countries and aggressive enforcement of immigration laws are heartbreaking - I believe in unity, not division.
Knowing where she stands on issues that mean so much to me is enough to change the way I feel about her.
I have no doubt my doctor is qualified to deliver babies and provide medical care but knowing where she stands on issues that mean so much to me is enough to change the way I feel about her. I know I wouldn't be able to be myself or feel comfortable discussing women's issues with her, which is why I've decided not to go back and see her again. I've started doing research on new obstetricians in my area, but I don't think it's necessary to confront my doctor about why I'm leaving her practice. I don't think her opinions are going to change, and I don't want to create tension for the other members of my family who will continue to see her.
The decision to find a new physician is an extremely personal one. I haven't discussed it with my husband or my family. That said, they know how I feel about Trump, and I'm sure they would want me to feel supported by whomever I choose to care for me during my childbearing years.
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