Unforeseen Challenges

When the first full-time women students arrived on campus through the Twelve College Exchange program, Bowdoin’s health center was not ready for them. The infirmary was unprepared to advise on women’s health issues, including birth control and gynecological services. In 1974, three years after the first woman graduated, students supported a proposal for gynecological services and advocated for women’s rights to adequate medical facilities. It was not until 1977 that Bowdoin hired Mary Lape, a nurse practitioner, to assist in providing gynecological care. That year, Bowdoin also made arrangements with local gynecologists allowing students to seek treatment paid for by Bowdoin. In 1980, Bowdoin sought to hire a College physician with experience in gynecology and sports medicine.

Bowdoin Women’s Proposal on Gynecological Services, May 1974