Campaigners seeking an independent inquiry into certain childbirth practices stepped up their battle today with the publication of a report into symphysiotomy and pubiotomy between 1944 and 1992.
These procedures involved the severing of one of the pelvic joints or pubic bone to aid childbirth.
According to the report 'Bodily Harm', at least 1,500 such operations were performed.
Around 180 symphysiotomy mothers are alive today; some are disabled, incontinent and in pain.
The report was launched today by author and campaigner Germaine Greer.
Those affected claim that symphysiotomy was performed when Caesarean section offered a much safer alternative. It was performed in Catholic-controlled hospitals lest women limit their families.
In a statement, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists here said it had unreserved sympathy for any mother who may have experienced complications following symphysiotomy.
The institute said mothers who suffered adverse outcomes should be given a full explanation and their grievances should be considered sympathetically.
It said that the historic use of symphysiotomy should be assessed in the context of what was considered valid practice at the time.
The institute added that the procedure allowed birth in selected cases of obstructed labour and reduced maternal and infant death and morbidity rates.
