Bodily Harm - Symphysiotomy and Pubiotomy in Ireland 1944-92

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Symphysiotomy and pubiotomy carry more risk than Caesarean section: the surgery unhinged the pelvis and often led to long term walking difficulties, bladder problems and chronic pain. Ireland was the only country in the Western world to practise these 18^th century operations in the mid to late 20^th century.

Was it the norm for difficult births from the 1940s to the 1980s? If not why was it done? Bodily Harm examines the exhumation of these covert operations, reveals the circumstances under which they were carried out, documents the lived experiences of mothers, analyses its implications for maternity care and presents survivors’ case for truth and justice.