The Husband Stitch and the Need for Consent

 Posted on October 07, 2025 in Maternal Injuries

People need to be able to trust their doctors to provide safe and necessary medical care. We all expect to be asked for consent before having procedures that could be painful or harmful. This is especially important when a procedure offers no clear medical benefit.

The "husband stitch" is an example of a medical procedure that is not intended to benefit the mother’s health and is often performed without consent. The practice could fall under the category of medical malpractice if the lack of consent and harm can be proven.

If you suspect a husband stitch was added during your delivery, talk to a qualified Chicago, IL maternal injury attorney. Our firm offers free consultations to discuss potential claims and help you protect your rights.

Is the Husband Stitch Real? And if So, What Is It? 

Although difficult to prove, the husband stitch is, unfortunately, something that has been performed on many women, without their knowledge or consent. It refers to an unnecessary stitch that is added after a vaginal tear or episiotomy during childbirth. The alleged intent is to make the vaginal area tighter for the benefit of the mother’s male partner. There is no medical reason for this procedure.

Awareness of the husband stitch comes primarily from personal accounts. Women who have experienced the procedure have shared their stories online or in interviews. They describe unexpected pain, discomfort, or serious emotional distress upon discovering the extra stitches. Because these accounts are self-reported and not from medical professionals, some people question their credibility. Despite this, the consistency of these personal stories highlights a troubling pattern of non-consensual medical practices.

The practice has also appeared in discussions within medical ethics forums, women’s health publications, and some medical journals. Some healthcare providers report noticing unusual stitching during postpartum exams or hearing from patients about extreme, atypical pain following delivery.

Because it involves a procedure performed without the patient’s informed consent and without any medical reason to do so, the husband stitch raises serious ethical concerns. If you think this has been done to you, you may be able to take legal action.

Why Does Consent Matter in Maternal Healthcare?

Informed consent is a cornerstone of medical care. Patients have the right to understand what procedures will be performed on them, why they are necessary, and what risks are involved. Doing a procedure for reasons unrelated to the patient’s health violates this principle.

The husband stitch goes directly against informed consent because it is done without the patient’s knowledge or approval. It offers no medical benefit to the patient and can cause long-term physical pain — including serious discomfort during sexual activity and an unnecessary long recovery period — as well as emotional trauma.

Illinois’ medical malpractice law exists to address situations where healthcare providers breach their duty of care. A procedure like the husband stitch may qualify if it can be proven that the stitch was unnecessary, performed without consent, and caused you harm.

What You Can Do if You Suspect a Husband Stitch

While it is difficult to know how common the husband stitch currently is, awareness in the medical community has grown. Most healthcare providers understand the importance of having informed consent, which makes such practices less likely today.

Even though there are no laws specifically addressing the husband stitch, general medical malpractice laws in Illinois give victims options. You may have grounds for a malpractice claim if you can show that:

• The stitch was done without your consent

• The procedure was unnecessary from a medical standpoint

• You suffered physical or emotional harm as a result 

Physical pain can interfere with daily activities, while emotional trauma may affect relationships and mental health. A legal claim can address not only medical expenses and lost wages but also pain and suffering related to the procedure.

The legal process involves collecting medical records, documenting your experiences, and consulting a lawyer who understands birth injury and maternal rights.

How Can I Prove I Was Given a Husband Stitch Without My Consent?

Proving that a husband stitch was performed can be challenging. Medical records may not mention it, and doctors may not admit to doing the procedure. Evidence may come from postpartum exams, photographs, or testimony about unusual pain or complications. Statements from medical professionals or personal testimony may also support a claim.

Should I Have an Attorney for a Maternal Birth Injury Claim?

Dealing with a claim related to the husband stitch can be very difficult. These cases often involve sensitive medical records, expert testimony, and deeply personal experiences. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand and navigate all of this, so you can focus on healing and moving on.

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we can review your medical records for signs of improper procedures. If there are any indications that you had the husband stitch done on you, we will document the harm caused by the stitch. We will guide you through potential legal claims and timelines, and represent you in settlement discussions or litigation. We offer free consultations so we can review your case and offer our honest assessment.

Having an experienced attorney is especially important when you are dealing with accountability for procedures that may not be widely recognized or formally documented. Our lawyers can explain how malpractice laws apply to your situation and help you take meaningful action.

Talk to a Chicago, IL Maternal Injuries Lawyer

If a medically unnecessary procedure was performed on you without your consent, this is not something you must simply accept. Legal action can hold a doctor accountable and help prevent similar incidents from happening to other patients in the future.

If you or someone you know believes a husband stitch was done on you, it is important to act quickly. Consulting a birth injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights. You may be able to get compensation for the physical and emotional harm you suffered. At the very least, we can ensure that your concerns are addressed seriously and professionally.

Call a Cook County, IL birth injury attorney at 312-462-4200 to schedule your free consultation with Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd.. We can review your situation, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward justice.