Focus on redress: Symphysiotomy, the ‘mass medical experiment’ that butchered young women

The brutal surgical procedure of symphysiotomy, despite being shunned by the international medical profession for many years, continued to be conducted on Irish women and as Liz Dunphy explains, its use was based more on fundamental religious belief than sound medical knowledge.

Marie O'Connor, Chairperson of Survivors of Symphysiotomy. Picture: Moya Nolan

A “mass medical experiment” that butchered young women, permanently maiming them in the name of Catholic doctrine, the surgical procedure of symphysiotomy was practised in Ireland from 1944-1984.

Incontinence, mobility problems, chronic pain, emotional trauma and sexual problems are just some of the life-changing side effects these women have had to live with.