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25 February 2010 Edition

Symphysiotomy Inquiry needed

25 February 2010

Irish women who unknowingly and without consent underwent symphysiotomies during childbirth between the 1950s and 1980s were left with severe side effects, including extreme pain, impaired mobility, incontinence and depression. Obstetricians sought to establish this operation as an alternative to Caesarean sections because it was thought that women subjected to repeated Caesareans might be tempted to use contraception. Free article


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