Key points

• The WHO estimates that approximately 100 - 140 million girls and women worldwide have been affected by female genital mutilation
• Children born in the UK may be at risk of FGM when they travel with their families to visit friends and relatives in countries where this practice is common
• It is illegal to perform FGM in the UK or to take girls who are UK nationals or UK residents abroad for FGM
• Health professionals have a mandatory reporting duty if FGM is identified or a child is thought to be at risk. Failure to do so, may result in disciplinary procedures through the health professional regulatory body under "Fitness to Practise" proceedings.

Resources

• WHO health topic: female genital mutilation
• Department of Health. FGM mandatory reporting in healthcare
• Public Health England. Female genital mutilation (FGM): migrant health guide.
• HM Government. Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation
• Royal College of Nursing. Female genital mutilation
• Royal College of Nursing: FGM guidance for travel health services
• Royal College of Nursing: FGM travel health services pathway