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WHO calls for elimination of ‘virginity testing’
“Virginity testing,” a gynecological examination conducted under the idea that it confirms a woman’s vaginal intercourse history, must be banned, according to a joint statement issued by WHO, U.N. Human Rights and U.N. Women.
“Health professionals can be great agents for change. With support from health systems and governments, they can recognize that ‘virginity testing’ has no medical or clinical bases, refuse to carry out the harmful practice, and educate the public about this. In doing so, they are upholding the Hippocratic oath of ‘do no harm’ and safeguarding the human rights of girls and women in their care,” Princess Nothemba Simelela, assistant director-general for family, women, children and adolescents at WHO, said in a press release.
The agencies stated that virginity testing is medically unnecessary, violates women’s rights and can be painful, humiliating and traumatic. At least 20 countries are known to subject or force women to undergo virginity testing for various reasons, including to assess social value, marriage or employment eligibility or whether rape has occurred, according to the release.
The tests are performed by examining the hymen for tears or size of opening or by inserting two fingers into the vagina, but there is no evidence that these methods can prove whether or not a woman has had vaginal intercourse, according to WHO.
This practice causes many women to suffer from adverse short- and long-term physical, psychological and social consequences such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress, which in extreme cases may lead to suicide attempts, according to the agencies.
WHO, U.N. Human Rights and U.N. Women urge health professionals and associations to recognize that virginity testing causes detrimental effects on women, lacks scientific validity and must be eliminated.
The agencies recommend that governments authorize and enforce laws that ban this practice and encourage communities to create awareness campaigns that challenge harmful gender norms. – by Alaina Tedesco
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