We need to address verbal, sexual harassment in healthcare settings

Living with myasthenia gravis (MG) means I’ve spent more time in hospitals and clinics than I ever imagined I would. Most of the healthcare providers I’ve met have been kind, compassionate, and respectful. They’ve held my hand through scary procedures, explained complicated medical jargon in ways I could understand, and treated me like a human being rather than just a patient file.

But I’d be doing a disservice to myself and to you, my fellow MG warriors, if I didn’t acknowledge the darker side of medical spaces: the reality that harassment and even assault can, and unfortunately do, happen in healthcare settings. This is not something we like to talk about, but silence only protects the behavior, not us.

When ‘touch’ isn’t care

One of the hardest parts of living with MG is the amount of hands-on care we sometimes need. Whether it’s a neurologist checking reflexes, a nurse adjusting an intravenous immunoglobulin line in your arm or a port in your chest, or a physical therapist helping with range-of-motion exercises, our bodies are often in someone else’s hands.

But here’s the truth: Not all touch is OK.

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If a provider touches you in areas unrelated to the exam or procedure without explaining why, or if the touch feels sexual in nature, that is inappropriate. For example:

• A doctor places their hand on your thigh or lower back and lingers without reason
• A provider asks you to remove clothing that isn’t necessary for the exam
• You’re touched in a way that feels more like groping than a medical check
• You’re touched in a way that makes you uncomfortable and is unnecessary or irrelevant to the procedure

Medical exams should always come with clear communication: “I’m going to check your eyelid strength now,” or “I need to press on your abdomen to check your muscles.” If that explanation is missing, or if the touch feels invasive or wrong, that can cross into sexual assault.

Words can wound, too

Harassment isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s the words that are said or the tone in which they’re delivered. In medical settings, this might look like:

• A provider making comments about your appearance, body, or clothing
• Suggestive jokes or “compliments” that make you feel uncomfortable
• Dismissing your symptoms with language that feels belittling, like being told you’re “too pretty to be sick” or that you “just need to relax”

Many of us with MG are already vulnerable. We may struggle to walk, talk, or even breathe on a bad day. When someone who holds power over our care makes us feel unsafe or disrespected, it’s not just inappropriate. It’s harassment.

Talking about these experiences isn’t easy. I know from my own journey with MG that we often don’t want to make waves, especially when we depend on our providers for life-altering treatments. The power imbalance can make it feel risky to say anything at all — especially if you have a port where a provider sticks a needle in your chest on a regular basis. The fear of retaliatory behavior is real, regardless of how much of a badass you are.

But here’s the thing: Your body is your own. You deserve medical care that is safe, respectful, and free from harassment. If something doesn’t feel right, you are allowed to ask questions, request another staff member, or even stop the appointment. You don’t owe anyone your silence to protect their reputation at the expense of your safety.

Being supported

If you ever feel uncomfortable, here are a few things that may help:

• Bring a support person with you to appointments if possible. Having a trusted friend or family member in the room can make a big difference.
• Ask for clarity. If you don’t understand why a touch or comment is happening, say, “Can you explain why that’s necessary?”
• Know your rights. Patients have the right to consent to every procedure, to refuse care, and to report behavior that crosses a line.

If you’ve experienced harassment or assault in a medical setting, please know you are not alone. Many in our MG community have faced similar situations, and while each story is unique, the feelings of fear, shame, or betrayal are often shared.

Organizations such as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America offer resources and community support. Our own Myasthenia Gravis News Forums are a wealth of knowledge and a fantastic place to find support. If you ever feel unsafe or have experienced assault, please reach out to a trusted loved one or a local crisis hotline for immediate support.

We live with enough uncertainty thanks to MG. Medical appointments should never add to that weight. You deserve to feel safe, respected, and cared for every single time you walk into a clinic or hospital.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.