Resisting the Stigma of Covid-19

In a poignant and personal account, author Alyson Isaksson Capp, PhD, shares the story of Amy H. Kaji, a woman who found herself at the centre of the ongoing pandemic. On December 30, 2021, Amy, along with her partner and their four-year-old, tested positive for COVID-19.

The news of the positive test results brought a wave of emotions. Amy felt a sense of awe, having avoided pregnancy for almost two years, and then, unexpectedly, found herself in a group of individuals who received positive results from a pregnancy test. However, the joy was short-lived as shame crept in.

Shame, a feeling of believing that one is flawed and unworthy of love and belonging, can have significant effects. Amy felt detached from her body, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, a parched throat, fog, and fatigue. The pandemic has exacerbated this feeling, leading to covid shame among BIPOC, health care workers, and those with chronic illnesses.

In the health care context, shame can lead to stigmatization, health needs being dismissed, and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Amy felt this acutely, shrinking under the weight of her own perceived shortcomings.

Yet, Amy's body was not just a vessel of shame. It was a warrior, defending itself against the virus. Tiny T cells recognised the protein spikes of the coronavirus, remembering them by heart and dismantling them. The body brought the baby to an antibody-rich bosom, protecting it from harm.

In the face of this pandemic, Amy chose to act. She decided to act as if her 6-month-old baby was also positive, taking every precaution to ensure their safety. This decision was not without its challenges, but it was a testament to Amy's resilience.

Feminist bioethics offers a lens that pushes back against coronavirus shame and offers a narrative where people can claim a resilient dignity and agency amidst their diagnosis. Amy's story is a powerful example of this. Despite the challenges, she chose to stand tall, to fight, and to claim her dignity.

This legacy post serves as a reminder that we are all in this together, and that we can overcome the shame and fear that comes with a pandemic. Amy's story is a beacon of hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.