German Corporation Accused of Selling Vaginal Tightening Gels, Vulva Whitening Products, and Faux Hymens
In a world where facts often contradict long-held myths, the debate surrounding the sale of "virginity restoration" products has come to the forefront. One such company, VirginiaCare, has been causing a stir with its range of products designed to alter the female intimate area, including retightening gels, vaginal lightening masks, and artificial hymens.
Despite the controversy, there are no specific international or global laws that ban the sale of these products. They are primarily regulated by general trade and export laws, with each region having its own set of regulations.
United Kingdom and Germany
In the United Kingdom, while there is no direct legal prohibition against selling fake hymen products, they might be regulated indirectly under consumer protection laws, medical device regulations, or laws governing misleading advertising or public health. No specific publicized law bans the sale or distribution of artificial hymens in the UK.
Germany, too, does not have a specific law banning artificial hymen products. However, it has strict medical device regulations and regulations on consumer products which might apply. If these products are marketed with medical claims, they could fall under healthcare regulations, possibly requiring approval.
Ethical and Medical Concerns
These products raise ethical and medical concerns within the medical community due to the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes about women's sexuality and autonomy. However, these concerns have not translated into a formal regulatory ban in either the UK or Germany.
The Controversial VirginiaCare
VirginiaCare, a company based in Germany and registered in the UK, has been at the centre of this controversy. The company sells blood capsules that women can use to fake their virginity during sex, a practice that has sparked outrage.
The demand for VirginiaCare's products has been increasing since 2010, particularly among refugees from Muslim-populated countries in Germany. The company's website claims that its products can help women restore their virginity without surgery, a claim that is both morally reprehensible and irresponsible given the widespread understanding that hymens can grow back once damaged.
The reviews on VirginiaCare's website are largely from women based in Muslim-majority countries. The business of companies like VirginiaCare is highly controversial and perpetuates outdated and dangerous cultural myths.
It's crucial for users and sellers to be aware of potential import/export and consumer protection regulations when dealing with such products. The website of VirginiaCare is written in imperfect English, suggesting it may not be fully compliant with all the regulations it is subject to.
The continued existence of companies like VirginiaCare underscores the need for comprehensive sexual education and resources for women, especially those who fear stigma and potential violence from partners or family members upon being discovered as 'non-virgins'. These women need access to resources that empower them to exit abusive environments, not cheap gimmicks that reinforce harmful stereotypes.
References:
- Global Post, 2017
- The Guardian, 2014
- BBC, 2014
The debate surrounding the sale of virginity restoration products, such as those offered by VirginiaCare, extends to the health-and-wellness industry, with specific focus on women's health. Despite ethical and medical concerns within the medical community, there are no formal regulatory bans in the United Kingdom or Germany regarding these products, but they may be subject to consumer protection laws, medical device regulations, or laws governing misleading advertising or public health. The controversy surrounding VirginiaCare, a company registered in the UK and based in Germany, highlights the need for comprehensive sexual education and resources for women, as continued sales of these products perpetuate harmful stereotypes about women's sexuality and autonomy.
