Introduction

During this century many immigrants from Mediterranean and African countries have moved to western Europe.1 Second and third generations often face a conflict. They may follow the lifestyle of the new country and friends but have to remain mindful of the original traditions and attitudes of their families.

Many immigrant groups hold strongly with the tradition that girls must be virgins when they marry. If the bride cannot show her bloody sheet after the wedding night, her family are shamed. Her new husband's family may exact revenge in the form of violent reprisals and banishment of the bride. Because of these far reaching consequences, many gynaecologists in the Netherlands are willing to …