Women may sue State over failed promises

WOMEN who underwent an operation in which their pelvis was broken after childbirth are considering taking the Government to court because it has failed to fulfil promises it made to them over five months ago.

Known as a symphysiotomy, the procedure was carried out on more than 1,000 women between the 1950s and 1980s in cases of obstructed labour. Many survivors of the procedure say it was performed without their consent and that they were not told about it afterwards. The victims are also suffering back and leg pain, incontinence, mental trauma and problems associated with never being able to bond with their baby.

In a meeting with Department of Health officials last October, victims were promised a range of supports. They have received private counselling, but there is no word about GP information packs promised, a special helpline or independent assessments, victims said yesterday.