THE leading group campaigning for justice for survivors of the barbaric symphysiotomy childbirth procedure in Ireland are celebrating their first “victory” this week.
A 71-year-old survivor claimed she was “glad it was all over” after her case was settled following a three-day hearing at Dublin’s High Court.
In 1963, the 19-year-old underwent the symphysiotomy procedure – where the pelvic bone is broken – at the Coombe Hospital, following the successful birth of her child via caesarean section.
This month Justice Kevin Cross heard that the woman had suffered walking difficulties ever since, as well as urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections and chronic pain.
As she was awarded her undisclosed settlement on Tuesday, February 2, she said: “I am a symphysiotomy survivor. I am glad it's all over and I wish all survivors well.”
“We can all learn from the past and move on,” she added, before thanking her family and members of the Survivors of Symphysiotomy group for their ongoing support.
SOS Chairperson Marie O’Connor said: “This settlement represents a signal victory for the plaintiff, her family, her legal team and our members. The settlement represents a defeat, not only for the defendant hospital but also for the Government, whose payment scheme was intended to head off litigation.”
She added: “With up to 200 such actions being taken by our members, Survivors of Symphysiotomy looks forward to a successful resolution of this issue, with judgements and settlements well in excess of the Government’s utterly inadequate scheme.”
The government’s redress scheme for symphysiotomy survivors was announced last year.
A 20-day deadline for applications to the scheme fell on January 14.
A number of symphysiotomy survivors are thought to be now resident in Britain.
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