New FGM guidelines released

The RCOG have this week published new “Green-top guidelines” for professionals working with women who have experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM, also known as female circumcision).  The guidelines urge professionals to be vigilant as often pregnancy offers a unique opportunity to identify women with FGM, to provide information and advice, to address healthcare needs and to assess the risk to the unborn child or other female family members.

The guidelines highlight the law regarding FGM i.e. that it is illegal to assisting in arranging or carrying out FGM and it is mandatory to report cases of it in girls under 18.  It also provides evidence based guidance on the clinical care of women with FGM and summarises the key clinical complications of FGM: including scarring, urinary infections, menstrual difficulties, impaired sexual function, painful sexual intercourse, obstetric complications and psychological trauma.  Other recommendations include that there should be a lead consultant and/or midwife responsible for the care of women with FGM in all hospitals.

Dr Naomi Low-Beer, lead author of the guideline said:

“FGM is a violation of human rights and a form of child abuse for which there can be no justification. Thousands of vulnerable women in the UK are living with the long-term physical and psychological consequences of FGM, and these women must receive high quality care by obstetricians, gynaecologists and other healthcare professionals.

To view the new guidelines click here

To read the RCOG summary see here