Justice may take a little longer.

Rita McCann, one of the survivors of symphysiotomy outside Leinster House last night.

Rita, 86, extended a “guarded welcome” to news that the government will not oppose a Private Member’s Bill, proposed by Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, that would set aside a two-year statute of limitation for redress to fellow survivors.

Symphysiotomy was a procedure which saw doctors unnecessarily break women’s pelvises during childbirth to prevent, it is claimed, the possibility they might consider using contraception.

Rita had the operation in 1956.

RTÉ reports:

“The Department of Health believes some work needs to be done on the drafting of the legislation. It is not clear how long this process will take. In the meantime, department sources indicated that work will continue on attempting to meet the needs of women affected by the procedure.”

Government to accept Bill for symphysiotomy redress, RTÉ) 

Previously: Justice For Rita

The Last Thing I Remember Was My Feet Being Pulled Into The Stirrups 

(Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland)

UPDATE:

Rita with fellow survivor Ellen O’Brien from today’s Irish Times, a lovely pic by Clodagh Kilcoyne.