Caring for Ourselves: An Alternative Structure for Health Care (Report on the Vancouver Women's Health Collective)

This research report on the Vancouver Women's Health Collective (VWHC) traces the history and political framework of the organization, as well as the operations of the VWHC during the mid-1970s. It is composed of the findings of a 3-year study undertaken by 2 UBC students. The report is largely descriptive, based on participant observation and "interactive methodology" between researchers and the VWHC members and staff. As well, it includes findings based on in-depth interviews and evaluations by doctors and women who participated in and accessed the VWHC's resources and the VWHC's Women's Self-Help Clinic. The report details the provision of health care by lay-women and the self-help nature of the organization, which is central to its programs and services, including abortion counselling, diaphragm fitting, health education groups, health information resources, and the self-help clinic.