“I’ve heard from Missourians who’ve learned only after the fact that they’ve been subjected to these exams,” Arthur said. “And understandably, they feel very violated. And for those with a history of sexual abuse, they were particularly traumatized.”

These sorts of exams on anesthetized patients are legal in 29 states and are thought to be helpful for medical students. But the lack of consent has inspired several state legislatures to consider bans in recent years. Similar bills have failed to get traction in Missouri for the last three years.

Matthew Huffman, chief public affairs officer for Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said someone who goes in for a surgery at a medical school could have a procedure performed without their knowledge for teaching purposes instead of for a medically necessary reason.

“Without informed consent,” he said during a February committee hearing, “we’re really talking about sexual assault.”

https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/missouri-lawmakers-overwhelmingly-support-banning-pelvic-exams-on-unconscious-patients/amp/