The groundbreaking documentary “Below the Belt” has emerged as a powerful catalyst in the ongoing fight for women’s health justice. Directed by Shannon Cohn, this film follows the lives of four women battling endometriosis, a debilitating disease that affects approximately 247 million women worldwide.
Through intimate storytelling and expert commentary, the documentary exposes how the medical establishment has consistently failed women with this condition.
By bringing these hidden experiences to light, the movie has sparked crucial conversations about gender bias in medicine and the dismissal of women’s pain. It also highlights the urgent need for reform in how women’s health conditions are diagnosed, researched, and treated.
The Documentary’s Journey and Impact
Below the Belt began as a passion project for director Shannon Cohn, who personally suffers from endometriosis. She experienced the frustrating journey of misdiagnosis, dismissal, and inadequate treatment that characterizes the disease experience for millions of women.
The film premiered at prestigious festivals before receiving wider distribution, bringing unprecedented attention to endometriosis and the broader issues it represents.
What makes the documentary particularly powerful is its approach to storytelling. Rather than presenting dry medical information, it centers on the lived experiences of four women from different backgrounds, ages, and life circumstances.
Through their stories, viewers witness the devastating impact of delayed diagnosis and the cascade of consequences that follow. These include career disruptions, relationship challenges, and ongoing mental health struggles.
The documentary’s influence has extended far beyond the screen. It has prompted discussions at medical schools, policy debates in government forums, and grassroots campaigns on social media.
According to the World Economic Forum, Hillary Clinton, an executive producer of the film, believes it shines a much-needed light on an underrepresented issue. “So much of women’s health is still not given the attention it deserves. Endometriosis has been overlooked, ignored, and dismissed for far too long,” Clinton stated.
The Research Gap Highlighted in the Film
Below the Belt presents alarming statistics about the research funding disparity for conditions that predominantly affect women. The documentary reveals that endometriosis affects roughly 10% of women of reproductive age. However, it receives only a fraction of the research funding allocated to comparable conditions affecting both sexes or predominantly men.
The documentary includes insights from top researchers who stress that this lack of investment hampers progress in developing effective therapies. It underscores that this gap in attention and resources is not merely coincidental but reflective of a deeper systemic bias in healthcare.
According to NPR, doctors often prescribe hormonal contraceptives to suppress symptoms without treating the underlying disease. Dr. Iris Orbuch, an endometriosis specialist featured in the film, emphasizes that these medications do not eliminate endometriosis.
“We’re using the same medicines from 30 years ago,” she states. She notes that their side effects often outweigh their benefits, highlighting the urgent need for innovative, well-funded research.
A Broader Pattern of Neglect in Women’s Medicine
The struggles portrayed in the movie reflect a broader pattern of neglect in women’s healthcare, where systemic dismissal of symptoms has shattered trust. This pattern is not unique to endometriosis. A notable example is the widespread use of vaginal mesh implants, intended to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
According to TorHoerman Law, these implants have been linked to serious complications such as erosion, chronic pain, and infections. Many women reported being dismissed when they initially raised concerns about their symptoms, paralleling the experiences of those in the documentary.
Thousands of women are now part of a major vaginal mesh lawsuit, claiming that manufacturers failed to conduct proper safety testing. Additionally, these lawsuits argue that the companies did not adequately inform doctors or patients about the potential risks associated with the implants.
These cases underscore an urgent need for greater accountability and stronger regulatory oversight. They also highlight the importance of meaningful inclusion of women’s voices in medical research and product development to prevent such harm in the future.
The Economic and Social Costs Revealed
“Below the Belt” doesn’t shy away from documenting the enormous economic and social costs of neglecting women’s health conditions. Through the stories of its subjects, viewers witness careers derailed and financial security threatened by the direct costs of seeking treatment.
As reported by The Guardian, one woman, diagnosed with endometriosis at 23, faced significant financial strain. Without health insurance, she spent approximately $25,000 to $30,000 on consultations and treatment, with each appointment costing around $800.
Equally powerful is the film’s portrayal of the social and relational impacts of chronic illness. Viewers witness how the subjects’ partnerships, family relationships, and social connections are strained by the invisible burden of chronic pain.
These intimate glimpses into private suffering humanize the statistics and underscore the ripple effects of inadequate healthcare on communities.
The Path Forward
Despite its unflinching look at a broken system, “Below the Belt” is ultimately a story of resilience and hope. The documentary chronicles the growing patient advocacy movement that is demanding change in how endometriosis and other women’s health conditions are addressed.
Through organizations, social media campaigns, and legislative advocacy, women are refusing to remain silent about their experiences and are building powerful coalitions for change.
The film highlights specific initiatives that offer promise, including specialized centers of excellence for endometriosis treatment and improved medical school curricula on women’s health. It also showcases research collaboratives dedicated to understanding previously neglected conditions, offering hope for better care and outcomes in the future.
By showcasing both the problems and potential solutions, the movie empowers viewers to become part of the movement for change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important issue in women’s health?
Identifying a single “most important” issue is challenging, as many are critical. However, a foundational concern is the systemic tendency to dismiss women’s pain and health experiences, leading to diagnostic delays and inadequate care. Achieving health justice requires validating women’s voices, equitable research, and access to timely, appropriate treatment.
Why is it important to have a focus on women’s health issues?
Focusing on women’s health is vital because women have unique biological needs and face distinct health challenges throughout their lives. Historically under-researched and their concerns often dismissed, dedicated attention ensures health equity. It also improves individual well-being and fosters healthier families, communities, and societies globally.
How do we improve women’s health?
Improving women’s health requires increased research funding, equitable access to care, and medical education that prioritizes gender-specific conditions. Policies must address systemic bias, promote preventive care, and support early diagnosis. Empowering women with information and involving them in healthcare decisions are key to achieving lasting, inclusive health outcomes.
“Below the Belt” is far more than a documentary about a single disease. It is a powerful examination of how gender bias operates within healthcare systems and how these biases compromise women’s well-being.
The film has created unprecedented momentum for change in how women’s health conditions are treated. The documentary’s lasting contribution may be its role in breaking the cycle of silence and shame that has long surrounded conditions “below the belt.”
