Prevalence of FGM

A new report, produced by City University London and Equality Now has provided detailed estimates of FGM prevalence for each local authority area in England and Wales which its hoped will help professionals to plan services to support affected women and in some cases to safeguard their daughters.  The estimates were made by combining information from surveys in 29 countries where FGM is more commonly practised with information from the 2011 census about women who had migrated from those countries.  It also combined the survey data with birth data from the Office for National Statistics, enabling researchers to estimate the numbers of mothers affected by FGM giving birth each year from 2005 to 2013 and, subsequently, the number of girls born in England and Wales to mothers who had undergone FGM.

The results indicate that the national average prevalence is probably around 0.5%. The results showed that the highest FGM prevalence rates were in London boroughs, with the highest being 4.7% of women in Southwark and 3.9% in Brent. Outside of London, Manchester, Slough, Bristol, Leicester and Birmingham have prevalence rates ranging from 1.2 to 1.6%.

Janet Fyle, RCM professional policy advisor, said: “This report is an indication that much more needs to be done to support survivors of FGM in terms of providing long-term clinical care and support. In particular psychological support is needed regardless of the numbers of affected girls and women in an area. We must also continue to be vigilant in identifying and protecting girls at risk…If we are really to end FGM, we need the collaborative efforts of the health services, police and education, along with local communities, local authorities and survivors in every area in the UK to adopt a zero tolerance approach, until FGM no longer blights the lives of women and girls.”

President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Dr David Richmond said: “These estimates suggest that thousands of women and girls in virtually every part of England and Wales are living with the long-term physical and psychological consequences of FGM and it is our role to ensure that these women receive high quality care by obstetricians, gynaecologists and other healthcare professionals.”

Read the report here 

RCOG response here

RCM article can be viewed here