Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Useful links for advising health professionals and travellers about Female Genital Mutilation
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
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