Female Genital Mutilation

 
Download the FACTSHEET for more detailed information.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is sometimes referred to as 'female genital cutting.' FGMis defined as the range of procedures which involve 'the partial or complete removal' of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reason.  There are four types of FGM depending on the severity of the procedure.  

FGM is Illegal - FGM is prohibited by law in the UK.  It is also against the law to take girls abroad to have the procedure.  However more than 20 000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM. Girls may be at particular risk of FGM during school summer holidays as families may take their children abroad for the procedure.

Physical Impact - The severity of the physical problem may vary depending on the type of FGM undergone and can include severe bleeding and death.  Other long term problems include; severe pain, difficulty passing urine, urinary infections, problems menstruating, vaginal infections, pain during sex and complications during child birth.  Another impact, which is not often addressed is domestic abuse.  For example, some women who refuse sexual intercourse because they find it painful due to the impacts of FGM, are subjected to domestic violence.

Mental Health Problems - As FGM is generally performed on pre-pubescent and adolescent girls, usually without anaesthetics and with instruments such as razor blades, the emotional and psychological shock is huge and can result in life long trauma and counselling should be sought.

If you or someone you know is at risk of FGM - talk to someone you trust, maybe a teacher or a school nurse. You could also contact the police.  They will all be able to help protect you. If you are concerned that a citizen in Britain may be taken overseas for the purpose of FGM, call the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 0207 008 1500 or email fgm@fco.gov.uk

If you have had FGM - You can seek medical advice and help from specialist health services. There are 15 specialist clinics around the UK and in some of these you can have a reversal procedure. Contact details of hospitals and clinics in the UK offering Specialist FGM  health services can be found in the booklet that can be downloaded from this page.
 
 
 

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