Normal studies are essential for objective medical evaluations of children who may have been sexually abused

The findings of carefully conducted research studies of non-abused children should be used in medical evaluations for suspected sexual abuse if they are to be legally defensible. These studies have shown that a "wide" hymenal opening and a "narrow" rim of hymen should not be used as markers of abuse. Conclusion: The study by Myhre and associates is another addition to a growing collection of good science in a field of medicine where objectivity is essential.