The Concept of Self-Help

An information sheet on the concept of self-help, prepared by the Vancouver Women's Health Collective (VWHC). The document critically analyzes the gender-based hierarchy of the health care system, and of the relationship between doctor (typically male) and patient. The document briefly examines historical types of health care, women centred health care, and the ways that formal health care was institutionalized in the 19th century in a way that made alternate forms of health care inaccessible or illegal. The document encourages women to share information with one anther in order to take back control over their bodies and their health.