Asylum Pregnant Woman
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Asylum Pregnant Woman
" I ve noticed you re treating this poor creature more kindly?" " Yes, the chief nurse has got her pregnant." Date: 1904
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14296003
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Asylum Chief Concepts Creature Insanity Kindly Madness Morals Noticed Nurse Poor Pregnancy Pregnant Treating
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Pregnant Moment in Asylum History: The Unconventional Union of a Chief Nurse and Patient in 1904" This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in the history of mental health care, depicting a pregnant woman residing in an asylum. The year is 1904, and the image, though seemingly ordinary, challenges the societal norms and moral complexities of the time. The woman, with a gentle expression on her face, is seated on a bench, her hands resting on her swollen belly. Her attire is that of an asylum patient – simple, worn, and devoid of any frills. Yet, there is a sense of dignity and pride in her posture. Beside her stands a stern-looking chief nurse, her arms crossed, as she engages in a conversation with an unseen figure. The caption, etched into the photograph, reveals the unexpected nature of their interaction: "I've noticed you've been treating this poor creature more kindly?" "Yes, the chief nurse has got her pregnant." This revelation, while shocking to modern sensibilities, was not unheard of during the early 1900s. In some asylums, it was not uncommon for staff to engage in sexual relationships with patients, often resulting in pregnancies. Such unions were shrouded in secrecy, as they were met with disapproval and scandal. This photograph, a snapshot of a bygone era, invites us to reflect on the complex moral landscape of mental health care during this time. It challenges us to question societal norms and the treatment of those deemed 'mad' or 'insane.' Ultimately, it serves as a reminder of the human stories that lie beneath the historical narratives of asylums and the people who inhabited them.
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