Unsilenced Movement Featured in Dr. Zed Zha’s Groundbreaking New Book, “Consented”
- Unsilenced Movement
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
For decades, survivors of pediatric VCUGs have been told the same things by the medical establishment: “It’s a routine procedure.” “You won’t remember it.” “You’re overreacting.” But the tide is turning, and the medical community is finally beginning to listen.
The Unsilenced Movement is thrilled to announce a monumental victory for pediatric patient rights and VCUG survivors everywhere. We have been officially recognized in “Consented: A Doctor’s Call To End Medical Violence And Reclaim Patient Autonomy,” a powerful new book by Dr. Zed Zha, MD.
This release marks a historic step forward in our mission to bring VCUG trauma out of the shadows.
Naming Medical Violence & Reclaiming Autonomy
Dr. Zed Zha’s newly released book does something that many medical professionals actively avoid: it holds the healthcare system accountable.
Consented tackles the deeply entrenched culture of "medical violence,” the systemic practices that strip patients, especially children, of their bodily autonomy, psychological safety, and right to informed consent.
For VCUG survivors, the phrase “medical violence” provides profound validation for years or even decades of suffering. It gives a name to the profound powerlessness and lingering trauma experienced during forced, invasive pediatric procedures like VCUG.
Dr. Zha’s work serves as a blueprint for patients to reclaim their autonomy and a fearless call to action for providers to rethink how they interact with patients.
The Unsilenced Movement in “Trivializing Trauma”
The Unsilenced Movement is referenced in Chapter 8 of Consented (“Trivializing Trauma”).
In this chapter, Dr. Zha directly addresses the psychological fallout of the VCUG procedure. Rather than treating early childhood medical trauma as a myth, Dr. Zha validates the long-term impacts it has on the nervous system and bodily agency.
To have a doctor formally cite our organization in a published book is a milestone for our survivors and allies alike. Thanks to the bravery of former patients and providers like Dr. Zha, our voices are finally reaching the ears of those who need to hear it most.
Why Consented Is a Major Victory for VCUG Survivors
Consented chips away at the institutional gaslighting that survivors have faced for decades, and continue to face today.
This groundbreaking publication serves as:
Irrefutable Validation: Proof that the trauma you carry is real, recognized, and worthy of healing.
A Tool for Advocacy: Consented is a resource you can hand to your own doctors, therapists, or pediatricians to help them understand medical PTSD.
Hope for the Future: It proves that there are doctors actively fighting from the inside to reform pediatric urology and establish trauma-informed care protocols.
How to Support the Cause & Read with Care
We encourage our community, allies, and healthcare providers to read Consented: A Doctor’s Call To End Medical Violence And Reclaim Patient Autonomy, available now.
While this book is incredibly validating, reading about medical trauma and systemic medical violence can be deeply activating for former patients. Please prioritize your nervous system. Read at your own pace and step away from the text if you begin to feel overwhelmed.
You can also show support by:
Subscribing to Dr. Zha’s newsletter, Ask the Patient.
Leaving a review for Consented on Goodreads or Amazon.
To every survivor who has shared their story, this victory belongs to you. Your voices are breaking the silence, and the medical world is finally taking note.
About Us
The Unsilenced Movement is dedicated to achieving pediatric VCUG reform and supporting former patients in healing from trauma. Since 2023, we have collaborated with healthcare providers and former patients from all backgrounds and walks of life. Our community spans all over the world, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of VCUG trauma and the power of patients to achieve meaningful change for future generations of children.