‘I was born without a womb – I didn't realise it was possible'’

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Over the years, friends have shared some nightmarish stories about therapists, including one friend-of-a-friend who had a sexual relationship with their therapist and another whose counsellor persistently sent him text messages about their personal problems. Although these situations differ, they share a common theme: a therapist crossing professional boundaries.

Psychotherapist Eleanor Morgan recently published an insightful piece detailing both horror stories she has encountered and her own experiences with a therapist she believes severely breached professional ethics. Her article follows an increase in lawsuits filed by patients who have been harmed by therapy, with growing calls for government regulation of the counselling sector—a cause Morgan supports.

The inherent intimacy and intensity of therapy, particularly during in-person sessions, can create conditions where unethical practitioners may overstep their professional boundaries. This highlights the urgent need for thorough and effective regulation of therapists in the UK. Just because therapy takes place behind closed doors does not mean malpractice and abuse should remain hidden there as well.

Written by Maya Oppenheim

Maya's must reads 

'I didn't realise you could be born without a womb until it happened to me'

Speaking in an honest interview, Andreia Trigo told me what it was like to learn she was born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, a condition that means she was born without a uterus, vagina, or cervix.

'I had a secret affair with my cousin – and I wish we'd come clean sooner'

Incest is sometimes referred to as the last taboo, though this is something of a misnomer given that the world is still filled with taboos. However, it is fair to say that incest remains more taboo than many other subjects — a point highlighted in this first-hand account of a woman's affair with her cousin, which explores an issue rarely discussed.

'Lost our humanity': Two girls taken from mother to live with abusive father fled in middle of night

The story of these two young girls, who were forced to live with their abusive father after being removed from their mother's care and who escaped in the middle of the night by smashing and jumping through a first-floor window, is likely to shock and disturb many readers in equal measure.

Behind the headlines

Donald Trump's election win last week was a polarising moment, bringing joy to some but causing consternation for others. For those worried about the future of their reproductive rights, the sense of panic, fear, and indignation was palpable. A story I wrote last week highlighted just how anxious many Americans are about what will happen to abortion rights in the coming weeks — evidenced by the crash of the leading mail-order abortion pill provider's website in the hours following Trump's victory, as people rushed to stock up on medication.

Dr Rebecca Gomperts, founder of Aid Access, told me that the platform received 10,000 requests for termination medication in the 24 hours after Trump's win — almost 15 times more than their usual 600 daily requests. This surge in demand caused the website to crash for two hours, but it is now back up and running, the prominent abortion rights activist explained.

Understandably, people are anxious about the possibility of Trump imposing a national abortion ban after taking office for a second term in January. This concern stems from his characteristic ambiguity on the issue. While the president-elect indicated in March that he might support a nationwide ban on terminations at around 15 weeks of pregnancy, he also stated during the latter part of his recent campaign that individual states should set their own abortion policies.

One certainty is that the abortion landscape across much of the US has changed dramatically since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in June 2022 — the 1973 landmark decision that had legalised abortion nationwide. Since then, millions of women have lost their legal right to an abortion. The Guttmacher Institute estimates that 13 states now have total abortion bans, and 28 states have bans based on gestational age. It remains to be seen what abortion access will look like at the end of Trump's second term, but it is unsurprising that people are fearful.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Susie Wiles

Dubbed the "ice maiden", Susie Wiles is credited with helping Trump's victory – and has now been appointed as his new chief of staff 

Read more

Don't forget to complete your registration

We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience.

By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:

Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today. 

More for Independent Women

I spoke to my dead father through a psychic medium – and I couldn't believe what I was told

By Charlotte Cripps

I can't stop using Klarna to buy now and pay later – and I'm suffering the consequences

By Ellie Muir

Families who had babies switched at birth in 1967 in line for NHS compensation

By Rebecca Thomas

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"What difference do it make if the thing you scared of is real or not?"

Toni Morrison

The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Join the conversation or follow us

Download the free Independent app

Please do not reply directly to this email

You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Women newsletter.

To unsubscribe from The Independent's Women newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.

This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345

Read our privacy policy and cookie policy