Authors: Charlotte Munday / Editors: Sandi Angus / Codes: / Published: 26/09/2025
Healthcare professionals play a key role in providing support for survivors of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) and in the prevention of FGM/C in girls and women at risk. It is important to therefore be aware of FGM/C and its health implications. Clinicians need to know what actions are required when they encounter a child or woman in the Emergency Department (ED) who has had, or is at risk of, FGM/C.
This learning session aims to provide an overview of FGM/C and provide a framework for its management in ED.
Learning objectives
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- Understand what FGM/C is (including the different types)
- Be aware of the countries where FGM/C is practiced
- Know what to do when an adult either discloses FGM/C or it is apparent on examination
- Know what to do when a child discloses FGM/C or it is apparent on examination
- Know when the mandatory reporting duty applies 6. Know how to apply safeguarding principles to children at risk of FGM/C.
References
- World Health Organisation. Female Genital Mutilation. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organisation, 1996.
- Fawcett R. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Best Practice Guideline: A universal FGM flowchart and reporting tool. London: RCEM, 2017.
- Macfarlane A, Dorkenoo E. Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: Updated statistical estimates of the numbers of affected women living in England and Wales and girls at risk. Interim report on provisional estimates. London: City University London, 2015.
- Ali S, Karlsen S, et al. UK policy response to female genital mutilation needs urgent rethink. BMJ. 2023 Nov 23;383:e074751.
- British Paediatric Surveillance Unit. British Paediatric Surveillance Unit Annual Report 2017-2018. London: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) – Issuu, 2018
- Karlsen S, et al. When safeguarding becomes stigmatising: A report on the impact of FGM-safeguarding procedures on people with a Somali heritage living in Bristol. University of Bristol, 2019.
- Kavanagh J, Gardner M. Talking to your patients about female genital mutilation. InnoVAiT 2017; 10(5) 304-306.
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). Requests for Female Genital Mutilation medical examination in under 18-year-olds in the emergency department. On HM Government – Multi-agency statutory guidance on Female Genital Mutilation. July 2020.
Other resources:
- e-LFH FGM e-learning modules
- Gov.uk website: Female genital mutilation
- National FGM centre: National FGM Centre Developing excellence in response to FGM and other Harmful Practices
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) Green-top guideline No53: Female Genital Mutilation and its Management. RCOG, 2015.
