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Gynaecology

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 26 July 2024UIN 481

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the impact of banning (a) virginity testing and (b) hymenoplasty on women.

Answered by Karin Smyth

No specific assessment has been made. The legislation to ban virginity testing and hymenoplasty was introduced through the Health and Social Act 2022. In April 2024 the department published the virginity testing and hymenoplasty multi-agency guidance which provides advice to anyone who may come in to contact with women and girls affected by virginity testing and hymenoplasty. The guidance is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/virginity-testing-and-hymenoplasty-multi-agency-guidance/virginity-testing-and-hymenoplasty-multi-agency-guidance

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