TDs demand public inquiry into symphysiotomy

TDs have told how they were left traumatised and “physically sick” after meeting a group of women who had undergone symphysiotomy during childbirth.

Health Minister James Reilly came under pressure to launch a public inquiry into the practice, which was discussed yesterday in the Dáil for the first time.

There were emotional contributions when the practice of breaking the pelvis during difficult childbirths was described by TDs as a form of institutional abuse and of female genital mutilation.