Abstract: Cases illustrating variables that arise in the health care of women who are HIV positive or have AIDS, women with breast or gynecological cancer, and the use of hormone replacement therapy for treatment of menopausal symptoms are presented. For each topic, empirical and theoretical factors are discussed from an “egalitarian perspective” that imputes privileged status to the standpoint of women as patients.

Keywords: human immunosufficiency virus, HIV, autoimmune deficiency syndrome, AIDS, breast cancer, gynecological cancer, hormone replacement therapy, menopause, egalitarian perspective, women’s standpoint,