Virginity examinations in turkey - Role of forensic physicians in controlling female sexuality

Context Although the Turkish Medical Association has deemed "virginity exam inations" a form of gender-based violence, women in Turkey are often subjec ted to such examinations by forensic physicians for both legal and social r easons. Little is known about these physicians' role and attitudes in this practice. Objectives To assess forensic physicians' experiences and attitudes regardi ng virginity examinations in Turkey and suggest potential solutions to the problems identified, Design Cross-sectional self-administered survey. Setting Surveys were completed during the Forensic Science Congress held in Kusadasi in April 1998 as well as in urban academic and medical practice s ettings between April and October 1998. Participants Of 158 physicians who practice, are formally trained in, or ar e in training for forensic medicine, 118 completed the survey (response rat e, 74.7%). Main Outcome Measures Frequency and circumstances of conducting virginity e xaminations, opinions regarding beneficial and adverse consequences of thes e examinations, and recommendations for changing the practice, as measured by a 100-item questionnaire. Results Overall, survey respondents reported conducting 5901 examinations i n the previous 12 months; 4045 were conducted because of alleged sexual ass ault and 1856 for social reasons, Although 68% of forensic physicians indic ated that they believed virginity examinations are inappropriate in the abs ence of an allegation of sexual assault, 45% had conducted examinations for social reasons. The majority of the respondents (93%) agreed that the exam inations are psychologically traumatic for the patient. In addition, more t han half (58%) reported that at least 50% of patients undergo examinations against their will. Conclusions Nearly half of forensic physicians in Turkey conduct virginity examinations for social reasons despite beliefs that such examinations are inappropriate, traumatic to the patient, and often performed against the pa tient's will. Physicians' participation in such practices is inconsistent w ith principles of bioethics and international human rights.