Problem

Virginity tests

Other Names:
Chastity enforcement
Nature:
In many societies, women are expected to be virgins until they marry. The presence of an intact hymen confirms that a woman is a virgin. Doctors can easily test for this. Male virginity tests are unheard of.
Incidence:
In Turkey, girls can be forced by parents or school authorities to take a virginity test. If the girl is not a virgin, she can be expelled from school, charged with prostitution, and will probably face trouble from her family. Girls have committed suicide rather than take the test. No test exists for boys.
Aggravates:
Juvenile suicide
Subject(s):
Research, Standards Inspection, tests
Law Law enforcement
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems
Date of last update
07.10.1999 – 00:00 CEST