The Doctor's Proposition

Offred's encounter with a doctor who offers to impregnate her illegally, highlighting the desperation and risks of the regime.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Monthly Medical Exam

Monthly Medical Exam The Procedure Offred is taken to the doctor's office for her monthly tests. She lies on the examining table, a sheet separating her face from the doctor. He performs the exam, poking and prodding. The Whispered Offer The doctor leans close and whispers that he can help her. He says most of the old Commanders can't make it anymore or are sterile. He offers to impregnate her himself. The Temptation Offred hesitates. The penalty is death, but she wants a baby. The doctor's hand moves between her legs. She says no, it's too dangerous. He tells her to think about it. She leaves, shaken by the choice.

The Aftermath

The Aftermath The Fear Offred is frightened by the choice. She has crossed no boundaries, but the possibility of salvation terrifies her. She knows the doctor could report her for infertility, send her to the Colonies. The Power Offred realizes the doctor has power over her. He could fake tests, have her shipped off. She must be careful. She decides not to report him, to leave the impression she is open to suggestion. The Next Visit At the next monthly exam, a different doctor is there. Offred wonders if the first doctor was caught. She feels relief but also a sense of lost opportunity.

early in Offred's posting

after the exam, same day