Background & Purpose
Girls and women in honor-based environments are sometimes forced to undergo virginity tests or procedures against their will. Previously, specific laws did not exist to penalize doctors or individuals performing these checks or issuing certificates.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament decided to criminalize all forms of virginity checks, certificates, and surgeries. Parliament also made it illegal not to report or attempt to prevent known child or forced marriages.
Does this affect you?
- Girls and women in honor contexts: Gain direct legal protection against forced bodily checks and forced marriages.
- Healthcare providers: Face strict criminal penalties including fines or prison if they perform or certify virginity checks.
- Relatives and community members: Can be prosecuted if they actively conceal or fail to stop an ongoing forced or child marriage.
In Practice
- Performing virginity checks or hymen operations can lead to up to one year in prison.
- Issuing a certificate stating someone is a virgin can result in fines or up to six months in jail.
- The ban applies universally across healthcare institutions and private settings.
- Failing to report or attempt to stop forced marriage or child marriage is now a criminal offense.