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Brooke Shields, the iconic actress and model, has released a new book where she offers insights about her person al health along with other challenges she has experienced in her life. Her transparency has inspired many.
Her book "Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old", explores many issues from sex to motherhood while showcasing personal ownership over her body which she had not had control of for many years. Shields challenges perceptions about aging and how women should be viewed by speaking from her own experience.
Brooke shares intimate personal accounts such as receiving an irregular pap smear , which lead to the removal of precancerous cells. The biopsy lead to her inability to carry another child because of the resulting scar tissue that had not previously been noted as an effect of this type of removal.
While sharing private stories from the past she spoke of when a gynecologist gave her the option for labia reduction. She described it as an issue that had been with her since high school. It led to additional details from the past.
She noted that the surgeon also performed "vaginal rejuvenation" during her initial surgery to address other concerns which she did not give consent to. This additional act, which had not been agreed upon or even discussed left her shocked. This experience made her reflect on self advocacy and speaking up on your own behalf.
She felt violated when discovering the unexpected procedure. While being in a disoriented state post op, he did not acknowledge her obvious concerns regarding it's impact to her body. He dismissed her questions saying it would be for the best for her even if she had not previously asked.
Brooke realized the surgeon’s disregard for her personal feelings. The decision to not sue the doctor was mainly so her body could be left out of media once more and wanted no further press about her personal life. Now, she stated if it occurred in current times the result would have been entirely different. She added she is very vocal about those type of moments currently but didn’t have that ability at that time. This reflects a long journey of having the need to protect her own personal choices and life experiences while moving forward.
Through all that she has learned Brooke is focused on ending judgment regarding other women particularly related to the subject of motherhood and the different aspects surrounding it.
She acknowledged on an interview that she felt mothers put too much judgment on themselves. Shields was very passionate on this matter making clear the importance of ending competitiveness in mothers. Also that one method does not need to be chosen or better than the other in regards to mothering methods. Shields is also supportive of all individuals no matter their opinions about whether or not they would like to be a parent, there was no room for judgment there either.
Brooke Shields was always seen through other people s perspectives, from childhood to motherhood she felt the gaze of others. Her experience starting her acting career at a young age put her in an unusual position of always having other people give their opinions of her life choices, character, and physical attributes. Her vulnerability was very important in being able to make her opinions heard in the past.
Now at age 59, Shields claims agency over her life and body as a woman. She now believes valuing herself during this chapter is a brave choice and is one that is necessary. With a life that is so easily discussed online or via media platforms she knows how important it is now to tell your own story and not just be written through others’ view points.