‘Virgin repair’ surgery criminalized in UK News
terimakasih0 / Pixabay
‘Virgin repair’ surgery criminalized in UK

The UK government Monday introduced a bill to criminalize hymenoplasty, known as “virgin repair” surgery.

The practice is thought to occur in 20 countries according to the World Health Organisation, which consists of scar tissue being used to form a fake hymen. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this practice. Used in cultures to link to virginity has been described as honor-based abuse capable of causing emotional and physical abuse. An investigation by the Sunday Times revealed that clinics may charge up to £3,000 for the procedure.

The amendment to the Health and Care Bill will criminalize private clinics and pharmacies from carrying out the surgery, with anyone performing a hymenoplasty being charged with “aiding and abetting,” resulting in up to five years in prison. Hymenoplasty will be banned along with “restoring virginity” surgery, as medical professionals have advised that the two practices are “inextricably linked.”

Some girls and women may be taken abroad, in which it will also be a criminal offense to do so under the new amendment. The legislation has been met with praise, with the Minister for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan calling the ban a “significant step” to “safeguard vulnerable women and children in this country.” S

THIS DAY @ LAW

First impeachment trial began in US Senate

On December 17, 1798, the US Senate began its first impeachment trial. Senator William Blount of Tennessee, a land speculator, was accused of plotting with England to wrest control of Florida from Spain. The Senate ultimately dismissed the charges for lack of jurisdiction—and, perhaps incidentally, lack of Blount, who had gone to Tennessee and had refused to return to the Senate for trial. Read more on the trial of William Blount.

Simon Bolivar dies

On December 17, 1830, South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar died in Colombia. During his lifetime, Bolivar led successful revolutions against Spanish colonial rule throughout South America. His efforts led to the independence of the modern-day nations of Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador and Bolivia, a nation named in his honor.