The front portion of the seat is removed to accomodate how both sexes would use the article for urination.

Is there a connection? No, the front portion is missing, unconnected. Joe is entirely correct, even if the seat is not entirely there. "The front portion of the seat is removed to accomodate how both sexes would use the article for urination." See a lady can sit on the seat, a gentleman should lift the seat, but, well, yuck, and then ya got people who are 'speedy' like joe and don't have time to lift it. A guy should stand there and aim carefully at the opening and not splash all over the seat. The gap is there for guys who can't aim and for those last few dribbles that don't have the power to clear the seat. Those drops fall thru the gap instead of onto the seat. A true gentleman takes a piece of toilet paper and gives the seat a quick wipe before flushing. Least that's what I been told. You'll frequently see those split seats in 'unisex' toilets, but even in segregated toilets it is just cheaper to purchase and install the same style seat in them, instead of trying to remember which goes where and how many of each are needed. Of course you can install such a seat in your own home, most folks don't, even mothers of all male families, cause they just look so "Gas station" and to complete the decor you need a hot air hand dryer and some coin operated machines. I rarely find a public bathroom when I need it, since just as folks don't wipe off the seat, even more of them refuse to clean the tub after soaking in it. Now that we've solved the mystery of the unconnected split seat, let us contemplate the enigma;" Why are they black?" I think the contrast of black on white makes it easier for bleary eyed speedy joes to see the hole. "couldn't the men just use the toilet paper to cover their fingers when lifting the seat?" yo, oh, sure, there's lots of things men could just do to make the whole hole..er..toilet experience more sensible, just ask any woman. They could sit down and block the splash with their hairy.. but what would be the aim in that? If they were sensible they'd be women. teary, you gan get a split seat at HomeDepot and such places and easily install it yourself. It might be better to hire a plumber, that way when he bends over to install it not only will you get a split seat you'll get a ... well you know.

It is a sanitary issue. Some local health departments in Ontario require them in public restrooms.

Men and women take a whiz entirely different. for a further explanation, see an anatomy book. yes, the open end does address both sexes and their elimination. the missing toilet front section, is missing for a reason. its called a more sanitary condition. leftover urine drops can contain bacteria. some men have trouble hitting the target and thus, they spread it around. women love the open-end seat, because of the easier access to the wiping zones. its difficult to explain, without being sexually explicit. also, children, especially boys, just being potty trained, have a larger target area to hit. i guess its all about convenience.

i'm a woman. i don't love those open end seats, they're uncomfortable and in public toilets, usually that little gap is filthy. also it doesn't guard against splashing yourself if you're going a bit fast ;-)

The split toilet seat was invented by an alcoholic who was tired of getting hit in the back of the head while he was throwing up.