The Health Minister has reportedly instructed doctors in Russia to being virginity tests on underage girls.
According to reports, the Russian Investigative Committee instructed the medical professionals to look into the sexual activity of girls under the age of 16.
The order has however sparked controversy from medical practitioners, gynecologists in particular and politicians who are of the opinion that the checks will dissuade young girls from seeing the doctor when they need to.
The Health Minister, Vladimir Shuldyakov, however noted that doctors must follow the order and “inform police about all cases when virginity was lost as well as about cases of pregnancies and abortions involving girls under 16 years old.”
The order further maintain that doctors must conduct the test to check the “integrity of the hymen” and look for signs of damage.
The new order comes just months after domestic violence was partially decriminalised in the country.
