SF Supports Calls To Reverse Decision To Destroy Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme Records

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has backed calls for Judge Maureen Harding Clark to reverse her decision to destroy records associated with the Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme.

Deputy Adams said that instead of destroying records, the judge should "revisit the terms of reference of the Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme which clearly state 'the assessor shall, where reasonably possible, arrange for the return to the applicant or her solicitor' of documentation submitted."

"The scheme could reasonably undertake to contact applicants individually before proceeding to destroy any documents held by the scheme, and could I have no doubt, reasonably undertake to return documentation to all applicants so that the survivors of symphysiotomy themselves can decide what they wish to do with their medical records," Deputy Adams said.

"The documentation in question may be required for future inquiries and research into the barbaric practice of symphysiotomy and pubiotomy in Ireland, which inflicted so much pain, distress and disability on so many Irish women. I fully support the campaigners who are calling on Judge Harding Clark to reverse her decision."

(MH/CD)