Eliminating virginity testing – An interagency statement

Overview

Virginity testing*, also referred to as hymen, “two-finger” or per vaginal examination, is an inspection of the female genitalia meant to determine whether a woman or girl has had vaginal intercourse. As shown in a systematic review on virginity testing, the examination has no scientific merit or clinical indication – the appearance of a hymen is not a reliable indication of intercourse and there is no known examination that can prove a history of vaginal intercourse. Furthermore, the practice is a violation of the victim’s human rights and is associated with both immediate and long-term consequences that are detrimental to her physical, psychological and social well-being. The harmful practice of virginity testing is a social, cultural and political issue, and its elimination will require a comprehensive societal response supported by the public health community and health professionals.

^* Throughout the text the terms virginity testing, virginity examination and virginity are used, with full awareness that there is no scientific merit to, or clinical indication for “virginity testing” or to a “virginity examination”, and that the term “virginity” is a social, cultural and religious construct with neither medical nor scientific basis.