The government’s decision to ban so-called virginity tests is a “false victory” as it does not prohibit hymenoplasty surgery, experts have warned.
While “virginity tests” are set to be made illegal in England and Wales, procedures claiming to repair the hymen at UK clinics will not be banned under the new measures.
Richard Holden, Conservative MP for North West Durham, recently brought in a clause to the Health and Care Bill that strives to outlaw so-called virginity tests. Doctors or midwives carrying out the procedures could face jail time under the new measures.
Highly intrusive and potentially traumatic vaginal examinations to see if the hymen is intact are deemed a serious infringement of human rights by the United Nations.
The World Health Organisation says the practice is also a sham because the hymen can rip for a number of reasons such as using a tampon or doing exercise. Health professionals warn hymenoplasty surgery has zero scientific basis as well as being invasive and inhumane. Such procedures can also cause women’s bodies to become infected.
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