BMJ. 2012;344:e1361
Female genital mutilation: the role of health professionals in prevention, assessment, and management
Simpson J, Robinson K, Creighton SM, Hodes D
Summary Points
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of child abuse and is illegal in the UK. It is also a criminal offence to arrange (or try to arrange) FGM overseas for a UK national or permanent UK resident. FGM is prevalent in certain UK minority and ethnic communities and health professionals should be aware of its likelihood within their patient populations. Health professionals must identify the local services available for women seeking help and children at risk. Training is essential so that health professionals can raise the matter with women sensitively and advise families on the UK legal position. All pregnant women from practising communities must be asked about FGM at routine antenatal booking; systems should be in place for this information to feed back
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