Report on symphysiotomy a whitewash and insult to victims

The Walsh report on symphysiotomy ignores the experiences of women subject to the practice and the disastrous effects they still live with, writes Marie O’Connor

SYMPHYSIOTOMY is Bridget McCole multiplied by 200 — Finance Minister Michael Noonan should take note.

Three generations of women likely had their lives destroyed by this pelvis-cutting operation, which was carried out in hospitals overseen by the State. Of the 1,500 mothers who were mutilated in this way, about 200 survive today. The eldest is 91, the youngest 47.