Symphysiotomies are important option in developing world

EDITOR—Payne mentions possible legal action by women who had a “barbaric” symphysiotomy in Ireland.1 Many symphysiotomies were done in Roman Catholic countries, because contraception was illegal, even for medical indications, and women might have many caesarean sections with all the inherent risks.

In poor areas of the world thousands of women die or are maimed for life because they cannot obtain a symphysiotomy. The money, staff, and political stability to give all women in need access to a caesarean section are often not available. …