ABSTRACT
This chapter considers whether physicians should be able to refuse women access to hymenoplasty based on their concern for their patients’ presumed lack of autonomy. Denying women access to elective procedures in the name of women’s rights raises serious questions about whether they enjoy genuine autonomy; it can also be a matter of life and death for some women, who may become victims of honour killings if they do not appear to be virgins on their wedding night. The author concludes that, despite the possible negative aspects of allowing hymenoplasty, it is ultimately better to empower women to make their own health care decisions.
