WHY HONESTY IS CRUCIAL IN HEALTHCARE
In recent weeks, I’ve been mapping out my plans for the summer. As I pursue a career in women’s health, my ideal summer would involve working in a setting focused on reproductive healthcare. I have now sent many emails to clinics in different cities, and more often than not, it feels like my emails disappear into the void alongside many others.
There was one clinic I was especially interested in. I emailed them with my experiences, my resume and an explanation of why this field of medicine is my greatest passion. I also mentioned what I had noticed on their website: they provide completely free services including ultrasounds, prenatal care, testing, and support groups. There was also a section about abortion, which said they help each person “make a plan.”
To my surprise, the clinic kindly responded and let me know although they did not have any job openings, they would welcome me as a volunteer. I replied excitedly, saying it would be an honor to learn from professionals who share my passion and who are further along in their careers, and I would love the opportunity.
A few hours later, I received another email from a regional volunteer coordinator. At last, my summer plans were starting to come together. The first line read, “Hi Marlee, thanks for being part of a pro-life movement.” What?
As I kept reading, I found an offer for a discount to an online store run by the organization. Thinking it must be a mistake, I opened the website. I scrolled through baby clothes, T-shirts with slogans about support, and bookmarks with religious quotes. The email didn’t close with “Sincerely” or “Best,” but instead with “For life.”
Confused and defeated, I went back to the clinic’s website to see if I had missed signs that it was not a facility focused on comprehensive reproductive care, but instead rooted in a specific political or ideological stance. I could not find any. In fact, the site suggested they would provide people with the care of their choosing. The only subtle clue was a strong emphasis on prenatal care, but beyond that there was little indication of the organization’s broader agenda. I felt incredibly frustrated.
I looked at reviews online to get a better sense of the services they frequently provide. Many mentioned being directed to support groups, counselors, community resources, and kind staff rather than medical consultation. Someone seeking medical care could easily feel confused if, instead of a standard gynecological exam and consultation, they are directed toward a mental health counselor or a support group. Rather than receiving an assessment of their own health, they may be encouraged to prioritize the health of the fetus. I replied, explaining that this volunteer opportunity was not the right fit for me.
My goal in sharing this experience is not to persuade anyone regarding their personal beliefs or choices. However, honesty in healthcare is crucial. Even as a prospective volunteer, I felt misled and disappointed, and I can only imagine how much more deeply someone seeking specific care would be affected. Ultimately, these decisions are up to the individual, but when websites are vague, practices are unclear, and services are ambiguous, it leaves people vulnerable and creates unnecessary confusion, stigma, and barriers to care when they need it most.