Selma Blair Speaks Out on Gender Bias in Healthcare

The actress, diagnosed with MS in 2018, recalls dismissive treatment and urges medical professionals to listen to patients with chronic symptoms.

Selma Blair, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2018, has opened up about her experiences with gender bias in the healthcare system, recalling a time when a doctor dismissed her pain and suggested she find a boyfriend.
Blair has been in remission since 2021 and has become one of Hollywood's biggest advocates for chronic disease and disability rights.
The actress revealed that she had experienced symptoms since her childhood but faced gender bias in healthcare, leading to her symptoms being dismissed for years.
She highlighted the stark contrast in the treatment she received compared to a male peer with similar symptoms, who was given an MRI and surgery within a week.
Blair expressed relief when she was finally diagnosed with MS in 2018, as it provided an explanation for her symptoms.