Honestly... I can not believe the year is 2021 and I am writing a post about how this isn't illegal.
TRIGGER WARNING: The following post contains reference to sexual assault and a topic that some may find upsetting. You may, if you wish, want to skip to the end of the article and read 'how can I help'.
I recently came across an article on BBC News about how a minister in France condemned virginity testing that had been spoken about on a french reality TV show. In all honesty, for me, this was one of those things I just dropped my jaw at, I knew virginity testing was once a thing but it still takes place? In a first world country? One google later I find that it is still legal in the United Kingdom...
What is "virginity testing?"
Virginity testing, also known 'as hymen, "two-finger" or per vaginal examination' is as you probably guessed, the act of testing to see if someone is a virgin, typically you would think this is just women and girls however it happens with men as well.
For females, these tests usually include physically checking to see if the hymen is intact however I refuse to write a how to guide on the disgusting methods that are often used.
As I always try to look at stuff from all angles I also found articles citing examination of males that takes place in South Africa which include myths like checking for the visibility of certain veins on the penis and whether or not they urinate in straight lines or sprays.
Let's just take a moment to recognise how dumb people can be...
But surely this doesn't actually take place?
Before they were dealing with Covid, in 2018 the World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report titled 'Eliminating Virginity Testing' and this report looked into why it happens, where it is practiced and the lack of medical science surround it. You can read it HERE
According to a report by WHO they found there are 20, yes 20 known countries out of 195 where virginity testing takes place... and the UK is one of those places.
As of writing this, virginity testing is still legal in the UK and an investigation by the BBC released in November 2020 found that their are clinics here in the UK that offer "virginity testing" and that they also offered "hymen-repair surgeries" charging thousands for them. NHS England data showed that there had been 69 hymen-repair procedures carried out that they knew of. However, most of my research found it is extremely likely that this happens under the radar and therefore the data will never fully reflect the true picture.
The science
Now let's be blatantly clear...
There is no test that exists for females or males that can say with an absolute certainty that a person has never had intercourse.
For more information on this I do recommend giving the WHO report a read but to summarise none of the common techniques used to test for virginity are supported by scientific backing, these tests often work under a blanket assumption that for females, vaginal intercourse will result in a torn hymen.
Here are some important facts for you...
- Like vulvas and penises, hymens come in all shapes and sizes and it is even possible to be born without one.
- Hymens don't usually break in one event, they experience wear & tear over time.
- Although it can hurt for the hymen to stretch or tear, it is very unlikely that most would even feel it happening.
Bearing this in mind, testing for virginity is about as reliable as an out of date condom.
Why is wrong with it?
Now I understand in some cultures this practice may have become normalised, some young girls may take part willingly however 'virginity testing' also goes against basic human rights including;
- The right to be protected from discrimination based on sex
- The rights to privacy and physical integrity
- The right to be free from degrading treatment or punishment
- The rights of the child
The process can often leave people physically & psychologically damage, also the results often affect a persons position within their communities, a 'bad result' can have devastating consequences from physical harm to being thrown out of their communities.
How can I help?
1. Raise awareness
Share this post, have the conversation with your friends and family, something we have learnt over the past year is that staying silent can be as bad as partaking in the act it's self.
2. Write to your local MP
Back in December 2020 the subject was brought to debate by MP Richard Holden who put forward the proposal to outright ban it, the commons was due to pick the debate back up in January 2021 however this never happened and it was never rescheduled.
I have myself and urge you to write to your local MP or email then or tweet them, whichever is easiest for you asking them to support the Virginity Testing Bill that was raised by MP Richard Holden and to vote in favour when the time comes. Find out how to contact your local MP HERE
3. Sign the petition
Unfortunately, we have to respect the systematic ways of doing stuff in our country, as I said the bill was initially raised but hasn't been brought up again since, so there is currently a petition set up on the gov website to get the government to talk about it, I urge you to sign the petition it takes less than a minute, then send it to your friends as ask them too as well. Link HERE
I just want to say a big thankyou if you read all of that, and I hope at least you have learned something new.
Remember
Be the change you want to see.
Till next time,
Joanna
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