2023 is a milestone year for North Atlanta Obstetrics and Gynecology. We opened our doors and began providing the women of the north Atlanta metro with individualized, exceptional obstetric and gynecological care 50 years ago this July. Throughout this next year we will celebrate this momentous anniversary by looking back at how things have expanded and improved over the past five decades in the world of women’s health. Before we venture down that path, let’s take an amusing look back at what life looked like back in 1973.
In 1973, the global population was around 3.9 billion people, the average home price in America was $32,500, and a gallon of gas was a mere $0.40. People were watching All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and M.A.S.H., reading The Princess Bride, and listening to Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye, and Elton John. In this year, Secretariat won the Triple Crown, Jack Nicklaus led the PGA, and the Miami Dolphins were on top of the NFL. The United States ended all military operations in Vietnam, construction was completed on the world’s tallest building – the World Trade Center, and the Watergate scandal was all anyone could talk about. It was a much different time compared to today in 2023, but it was a year that shaped women’s health and the practice of gynecology and obstetrics for generations to come.
1973 was a pivotal year for women’s health. The Supreme Court ruled over the landmark case of Roe v. Wade which made abortion legal in the United States. (This decision was overturned in June 2022). In 1973, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) stated that “the preferred site for childbirth because of the distinct advantage to the physical welfare of the mother and infant is in the hospital.” In addition, publishing house Simon and Schuster printed the pamphlets from the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective as a book called Our Bodies, Ourselves. The book was a collection of research, personal stories, and studies about women’s health with the goal of dismissing lack of knowledge about the female body and women’s health issues. The fifteen chapters covered topics that were seen as taboo during that time to discuss including challenges during pregnancy, menstruation, birth control, contraception, healthy relationships, sexually transmitted diseases, abortion, and more.
This tiny snapshot of life “back then” really paints a picture of how far we have come in the world of women’s health. From removing the stigma associated with various topics, to the advancements in healthcare technology, we have made great strides in the past fifty years. What will we do with the next fifty?
We are honored to have earned the trust of the women of Atlanta for the past five decades and look forward to continuing to help this special population continue to grow and thrive. If you are looking for an experienced, reliable, and nurturing obstetrical and gynecological team, consider contacting North Atlanta Ob/Gyn today to schedule your appointment. 404.255.0621
