1,500 women in Ireland were subjected to symphysiotomy operations from the 1940s to 80s . The operation was carried out on a number of women, including those who had been raped or suffered other forms of sexual abuse. McCann , now 88 , was undergoing a symphysiotomy -- a procedure seldom used by other industrialized nations by the mid-20th century as Caesarian sections became safer . Some women were never consulted or told about the procedure ; campaigners want an official apology .
1,500 women in Ireland were subjected to symphysiotomy operations from the 1940s to 80s . The operation was carried out on a number of women, including those who had been raped or suffered other forms of sexual abuse. Some women were never consulted or told about the procedure ; campaigners want an official apology .