[Women and health]

The author, active within a self help group in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, describes the reasons for the emergence, first in the U.S.A., then in other countries, of the women's health movement and gives indications on the present situation in Switzerland. In the major cities groups exist or get presently organized. There is a great need for collegial information among women, for more time being dedicated to deal with physical, psychical and social aspects of health, and for fostering autonomy of the women in respect to their own body and care, including self examinations. Unfortunately, up to the present time, the medical profession has shown little interest in such endeavours, and plea is made for a more active participation on its part in the future.