Female genital mutilation

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced worldwide, including in the UK. The term ‘female circumcision’ suggests a relatively benign procedure, inviting comparison with male circumcision, which, although usually medically unnecessary and uncomfortable, rarely causes long-term problems. In fact, the female procedure is responsible for long-term gynaecological morbidity and greatly increased mortality and morbidity in childbirth for both mother and baby.

For many reasons - cultural, religious and sexual - worldwide efforts to reduce the practice are meeting resistance. This paper sets out the methods and classification of FGM, the position of the World Health Organization and other international agencies, and considers the problems from a British perspective.