Mary Harney’s refusal to set up an inquiry into the brutal practise of symphisiotomy is a scandal

Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010

MARY HARNEY'S REFUSAL TO SET UP AN INQUIRY INTO THE BRUTAL PRACTISE OF SYMPHISIOTOMY IS A SCANDAL, SAYS NATIONAL WOMEN'S COUNCIL.

The National Women's Council of Ireland is calling on the Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to set up an inquiry into the brutal and unjustifiable use of symphisiotomy in Ireland, long after it had ceased to be practised internationally.

"The survivors of this practise are still suffering chronic physical and mental pain. They have been brave enough to speak out and they deserve justice," said NWCI director, Susan McKay. "The Minister's refusal to investigate this matter, 7 years after her predecessor in the Department of Health promised to do so, is scandalous. We need to know the truth about how child bearing women have been treated in Irish hospitals in the name of the Catholic ethos."

The National Women's Council applauds Marie O'Connor and the other campaigners who have exposed this butchery, and offers its full support to the survivors and their families.

For comment please call Susan McKay on 087 7582222.