Cat Bohannon's book, "Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution," argues that scientific research has historically overlooked the complexities of the female body, leading to significant health disparities. The book challenges the prevailing bias towards male-centric research and highlights the lack of understanding of female-specific health issues.
Bohannon traces the historical exclusion of women from scientific studies, particularly in clinical drug trials. Prior to 1993, women of childbearing potential were often excluded from Phase 1 and early Phase 2 trials. This lack of representation resulted in incomplete and potentially misleading results.
These disparities directly impact women's health outcomes and lead to higher healthcare costs. A 2023 Deloitte study found women spend an average of $266 more annually on out-of-network expenses.
Bohannon employs a vivid, storytelling approach, using the concept of different "Eves" to represent the evolutionary journey of female characteristics. Each chapter focuses on the development of a specific trait in women's biology, from milk production to menopause, creating an accessible narrative for a complex topic.
Bohannon advocates for research that includes diverse populations, acknowledging that the differences between women (e.g., pregnant women vs. girls) necessitate a nuanced approach. She emphasizes the need for a more inclusive model moving away from a male-centric framework.