Virginity Testing
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is committed to supporting the health and human rights of adolescents and women and, in alignment with the World Health Organization and the United Nations, calls for the elimination of the practice of “virginity testing” (1). “Virginity testing” is not a medically indicated or valid procedure and its practice raises important ethical concerns. Physical examinations purported to assess “virginity” are without basis (1,2). “Virginity testing” has been associated with adverse psychosocial and physical outcomes and is considered to be a violation of human rights (1,2). ACOG is supportive of legislative efforts that seek to prevent virginity testing.
References
1 World Health Organization, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Women. Eliminating virginity testing: an interagency statement. Geneva: WHO; 2018. Available at: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/275451/WHO-RHR-18.15-eng.pdf?ua=1. Retrieved January 9, 2020.
2 Olson R, García-Moreno C. Virginity testing: a systematic review. Reprod Health 2017; 14: 61.
Approved by the Executive Board January 2020