Women who underwent the controversial symphysiotomy procedure during childbirth are to take their case to the United Nations.

The Survivors of Symphysiotomy (SOS) group has lodged a case with the UN Committee Against Torture and the UN Human Rights Committee.

SOS argues that the symphysiotomy procedure, which involved widening the pelvis, constitutes torture under the Convention Against Torture.

Around 1,500 women in Ireland had the procedure carried out between the 1940s and the mid-1980s.

Symphysiotomy continued to be performed in Ireland long after it had ceased as a common procedure in other countries.

Women who had the procedure suffer from severe side effects, including pain and incontinence. There are around 300 women still alive who underwent symphysiotomy.

SOS says the procedure was performed 'in the absence of medical necessity and without patient consent', which constituted 'torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment'.

It says the Government has failed to take action to properly investigate symphysiotomy practice. SOS has rejected a proposed compensation scheme.