Virginity test illegal, says LASUTH doctor

Oluwajimi Sodipo, a doctor at the Lagos State Teachings Hospital (LASUTH), says virginity tests are illegal.

A virginity test is a practice and process of determining whether a girl has ever been engaged in sexual intercourse.

According to NAN, Sodipo, who is a consultant family physician, spoke at a workshop organised by an NGO on the issue of sexual gender-based violence in Ilorin on Wednesday.

Sodipo said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made a global call to put a stop to violence against women and girls, especially against such practices.

He also stated that oftentimes, the practice of virginity testing is painful, humiliating and traumatic, adding that it is medically unnecessary.

The consultant family physician also said the claims that a woman whose hymen is absent is promiscuous is a myth.

“The perception that there must be blood-stained sheets at first intercourse to indicate virginity is not always scientifically correct,” Sodipo said.

The doctor also said although women are more susceptible to gender-based violence, emerging data has shown that men and boys are becoming victims at an alarming rate.

He encouraged victims not to be silent about their experiences and also seek help from healthcare providers and other relevant stakeholders.