New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01626

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  

Caption

Prohibits health care practitioners from performing a virginity examination or supervising the performance of a virginity examination on a patient; defines "virginity examination".

Summary

Bill A01626 seeks to amend the public health law in New York by prohibiting health care practitioners from performing or supervising virginity examinations. These examinations are defined as gynecological inspections intended to determine whether a female has had vaginal intercourse. The bill emphasizes that such examinations lack scientific validity and can cause significant psychological and physical harm to individuals. The legislative intent is to align state law with the recommendations of various health organizations that have condemned these practices as violations of human rights.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would create a clear legal prohibition against virginity examinations in New York, thereby reinforcing the rights of patients and aligning state law with contemporary medical standards. It would also protect individuals from potentially harmful and unscientific practices in gynecological care, ensuring that health care practitioners are held accountable for adhering to evidence-based medical practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01626 appears to be largely supportive, as it aligns with the views of numerous health organizations and advocates who argue against the validity and ethics of virginity examinations. The absence of recorded votes or committee discussions suggests that the bill may not have faced significant opposition, although further legislative debate may reveal differing opinions.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various health experts and organizations, potential points of contention may arise from cultural or traditional perspectives that view virginity examinations as significant. Some stakeholders may argue for the preservation of such practices in certain contexts, leading to discussions about the balance between medical ethics and cultural beliefs.

Companion Bills

NY S01283

Same As Prohibits health care practitioners from performing a virginity examination or supervising the performance of a virginity examination on a patient; defines "virginity examination".

Previously Filed As

NY A00128

Prohibits health care practitioners from performing a virginity examination or supervising the performance of a virginity examination on a patient; defines "virginity examination".

NY S00931

Prohibits health care practitioners from performing a virginity examination or supervising the performance of a virginity examination on a patient; defines "virginity examination".

NY S01283

Prohibits health care practitioners from performing a virginity examination or supervising the performance of a virginity examination on a patient; defines "virginity examination".

PA HB1078

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

PA SB720

In school health services, further providing for health services and for vision screening and examinations, providing for eye health and vision examinations and further providing for examinations by examiners of own choice.

IL SB2846

DENTAL LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS

IL HB4978

DENTAL LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS

IL SB3211

TELEDENTISTRY EXAMINATIONS

WV HB2358

Relating to postmortem examinations

MI HB4556

Education: examinations; certain requirements concerning the Michigan merit examination; modify. Amends sec. 1279g of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1279g).

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.