female genital mutilation Flashcards
what does Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprise of
all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia,
or other injury to the female genital organs… for non-medical reasons
Type 1 – Clitoridectomy
partial or total removal of the clitoris and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).
Type 2 – Excision
partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are the ‘lips’ that surround the vagina).
Type 3 – Infibulation
narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris. Sometimes referred to as Pharaonic circumcision.
Type 4 – Other
all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising the genital area.
De-infibulation
(sometimes known as or referred to as deinfibulation or defibulation or FGM reversal): The surgical procedure to open up the closed vagina of FGM type 3.
Re-infibulation
(sometimes known as or referred to as reinfibulation or re-suturing): The re-stitching of FGM type 3 to re-close the vagina again after childbirth
Re-infibulation is illegal in the UK as it constitutes FGM.
Who Performs the ‘Cutting’
Most often carried out by traditional cutters or ‘circumcisers’.
These women will often have a very respected role within the community.
The role is often passed down from mother to daughter.
Some will have other important roles e.g. childbirth attendants
But
More than 18% of all FGM is performed by healthcare providers
Increasing trend towards medicalisation appearing (including in countries where there are laws against FGM)
Short Term Health Impact of female genital mutilation
severe pain and shock
infection
injury to adjacent tissues
sprains, dislocations, broken bones or internal injuries from being restrained
immediate fatal haemorrhaging
infection by blood borne virus
Long Term Impact of female genital mutilation
urine retention and difficulties in menstruation
uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections
cysts and neuromas
complications in pregnancy and childbirth
increased risk of fistula
on-going impact of trauma / PTSD
sexual dysfunction
Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation (Scotland) Act 2005
A person who performs an action mentioned in subsection
(2) in relation to the whole or any part of the labia majora, labia minora, prepuce of the clitoris, clitoris or vagina of another person is guilty of an offence.
(2) Those actions are—
- excising it;
- infibulating it; or
- otherwise mutilating it.
Aiding and abetting female genital mutilation
A person who aids, abets, counsels, procures or incites—
a person to commit an offence under section 1;
another person to perform an action mentioned in section 1(2) in relation to the whole or any part of that other person’s own labia majora, labia minora, prepuce of the clitoris, clitoris or vagina; or
a person who is not a United Kingdom national or permanent United Kingdom resident to do a relevant act of genital mutilation outside the United Kingdom, commits an offence.
Key Risk Factor
Mother has had F.G.M.
The girl should be viewed as at increased risk if:
an older sister or cousins have undergone FGM
the mother (and / or father) has requested re-infibulation following delivery
the parents express views which show that they value the practice
The girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on Personal, Social or Health Education
The level of integration within UK society is also significant. It is believed that communities less integrated into British society are more likely to carry out FGM
National Guidance for Child Protection
in Scotland (2021)
Female genital mutilation should always be seen as a cause of significant harm and normal child protection procedures should be invoked
Where a child or young person within a family has already been subjected to female genital mutilation, consideration must be given to other female siblings or close relatives who may also be at risk.
Local guidelines should be in place to ensure a coordinated response from all agencies and highlight the issue for all staff who may come into contact with children who are at risk from female genital mutilation
