We recently published a paper into the ethical considerations in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS), procedures which change the structure and appearance of the healthy external genitalia of women, or internally in the case of vaginal tightening.
We are concerned about the growing number of women opting for cosmetic gynaecological surgery; Hospital Episode Statistics suggest the number of labial reduction procedures has risen five-fold in the NHS over the past 10 years, with over 2000 operations having been performed in 2010. However, many more procedures may be taking place in the private sector.
Our paper was produced by The RCOG Ethics Committee which considers ethical aspects and legal implications of matters of concern affecting the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. I commend Dame Suzie Leather, the Chair of the Committee, for both her work on the paper and for playing a lead role in its successful launch. Read the rest of this entry »
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