Symphysiotomy scheme time limit ‘is punitive’

Symphysiotomy survivors have urged the Government to lift the scheme’s "punitive" 20-day time limit to join up.

Welcoming criticisms made by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) of the Government’s scheme, Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) called for the lifting of the scheme’s expiry date.

Maria O’Connor, the chairwoman of the group, which represents 400 women, said that IHREC chief commissioner Emily Logan identified the scheme’s key weaknesses, including its “oppressive and unprecedented time limits, and its waiver of legal rights”.