Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are illegal across the UK under the Health and Care Act 2022. There is no reliable way to determine whether a woman or girl has had sexual intercourse by examining her genitalia, and virginity testing has no clinical or scientific basis. Both practices can be linked to coercion, control and abuse.
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty are criminal offences across the UK under the Health and Care Act 2022.
VIRGINITY TESTING
Virginity testing has no clinical or scientific basis. There is no reliable examination that can establish whether a woman or girl has had sexual intercourse.
The Health and Care Act 2022 made it illegal across the UK to carry out, offer, or aid and abet virginity testing or hymenoplasty. The offences include extra-territorial provisions for UK nationals and residents.
These practices can be linked to coercion, control and wider abuse. Anyone concerned should follow safeguarding procedures and seek specialist support. Read the current government multi-agency guidance, see Freedom Charity’s Dishonour Abuse information, or use the helpline page.
Reviewed 13 September 2026 against current GOV.UK guidance and the Health and Care Act 2022.
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Watch Aneeta Prem speaking to SKY news about this here:
SKY News - treated worse than an animal
Other sources of information can be found here:
Exposed: UK clinics still offering to ‘restore virginity’ before marriage
Dozens of clinics, private hospitals and pharmacies are offering controversial hymen repair surgery, an undercover investigation has revealed, as the government moves closer to banning the harmful practice.
Britain's 'Virginity' Clinics Uncovered
We go undercover to expose the clinics making money from so-called virginity testing and repair procedures that campaigners condemn as a violation of human rights.
Detained and forced to have a 'virginity test' - BBC World Service,