Legal expert speaks out after surgeon gave Brooke Shields ‘little bonus’ during labia surgery
A legal expert and women's rights advocate claims she's been left horrified by an intimate revelation recently dropped by American actress Brooke Shields.
The 59-year-old shared last week that a formerly 'wonderful' medic has made a non-consensual alteration to her genitals during a pre-planned surgery, revealing that the 'violation' had left her 'ashamed' for years to follow.
Brooke's labiaplasty
While promoting her memoir last week - which also discusses the procedure in great detail - mum-of-two Brooke told press last week that, after years of chafing and bleeding caused by her elongated labia, she opted to undergo a labiaplasty.
The surgery had been recommended by her doctor, who went on to throw in a 'little bonus' during the procedure in the form of a full-fledged vaginal rejuvenation.
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Brooke - who'd welcomed her two daughters, Rowan, 21, and Grier, 18, with husband Chris Henchy in the years prior - claimed she didn't consent to the procedure, and was horrified to hear what had been done.
A considerably more extreme procedure that a labiaplasty, this surgery sees the female genital tissues surrounding the vagina tightened, reshaped, or reduced entirely, often in a bid to increase sexual satisfaction.
"It felt like such an invasion — such a bizarre, like, rape of some kind," she admitted.
"Nothing pointed toward this need to be tighter or smaller or firmer or younger, especially there."
A legal expert's 'horror'
Amongst those to have been left sickened by Brooke's experience is Jennie Simons, a Specialist in Surgical Legal Practice and Women’s Health Advocacy.
Speaking to Tyla on behalf of HD Claims since the film star's revelation hit global headlines, Jennie admitted to being 'deeply troubled'.
"Such an incident not only raises significant ethical and legal questions but also underscores the importance of safeguarding patient autonomy," she began. "Especially in the context of intimate health surgeries."
A breach of consent
Jennie went on to preach that consent is the 'cornerstone' of 'all medical and surgical procedures'.
She added: "Legally and ethically, no surgeon should perform a procedure without explicit, informed consent from the patient.
"This is particularly critical in cases involving intimate health, as these surgeries often carry profound physical, emotional, and psychological implications."
Asked specifically about Brooke's case, the legal professional agrees that the surgeon in charge 'clearly violated' her bodily autonomy.
"The horror she describes is valid and shared by countless patients worldwide who may not feel empowered to speak out," Jennie continued.
"Incidents like this erode trust between patients and medical professionals and highlight systemic issues in the way consent is handled in some healthcare settings."
How consent should work in surgery
"Informed consent is not a mere formality or a signed document—it is a process that involves thorough communication between the surgeon and the patient," Jennie explained, adding that certain steps must be taken legally.
"This process should include explanation of the procedure," she began, adding that: "The surgeon must clearly outline the purpose, nature, and scope of the proposed surgery."
Next, Jennie says, is an analysis of the risks and benefits.
"Patients must be informed about the potential risks, benefits, and outcomes of the procedure, as well as alternatives (including the option of no treatment)."
She added that 'adequate time' should be reserved for the patients to consider any questions they might have, and 'they should feel confident that their concerns have been addressed'.
Lastly, Jennie says documentation is 'essentially' and 'must specifically outline the procedures being performed'.
"Any deviation from this agreement must only occur in emergency situations where the patient’s life or health is at immediate risk and obtaining consent is not feasible," she continued.
"In Brooke Shields' case, if her account is accurate, performing an additional procedure without her prior knowledge or agreement not only breaches these principles but also potentially constitutes medical malpractice."
Brooke's final word
Despite Jennie's advice, Brooke declared last week that she wouldn't be seeking legal assistance in the matter, due to the mistreatment she has faced so far.
"I thought, I don’t want anybody else telling me what I have to do," she confessed.
Asked why she came forward, however, Brooke explained that, after keeping her horror a secret for 'the longest time' - even from her husband - she suddenly came to the realisation that she has nothing to be ashamed of.
Despite fear that her revelation was 'too graphic or simply TMI', she hopes to reassure other victims of similar violations that no fault lies with them, writing in her book: "If we are to change the way we approach and talk about women’s health.
"Then we need to bring up the uncomfortable but very real issues."
Shields went on on to confess: "I’d be lying if I said I’m not embarrassed, to share this very intimate information.
"But, if we are to change the way we approach and talk about women’s health, then we need to bring up the uncomfortable but very real issues.
"Shame is no longer an option."
Topics: Brooke Shields, Celebrity, Crime, Health, News, US News, Women's Health
Rhianna Benson