FGM Flashcards
what are the classifications of FGM?
type 1: excision of the prepuce with or without part or the entire clitoris
type 2: excision involves part or whole of labia minor or majora
type 3: excision of part or whole of the external genitalia with stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening (infibulation)
type 4: unclassified including pricking, incising or piercing clitoris, burning, corrosive substances, gishiri cuts, angry cuts
what are some of the (unjust) reasons for FGM?
- tradition
- religion
- social acceptability
- right of passage
- hygeine (not true)
- marriageability
- preserving chastity
- curbing female libido/ sexual activity
- ensuring sexual pleasure for men
how is FGM done?
- traditional circumcisers
- unsterilised instruments e.g. knives, razors, scissors, snail shells
- sutures, thorns, homemade adhesives such as sugar, egg, warm oil, dung
- leg binding
- medicalisation by midwives, doctors and nurses
- time of FGM varies according to culture and opportunity
what are the immediate complications of FGM?
- pain - mental and physical
- haemorrhage
- infection - bacterial sepsis, HIV, Hepatitis, tetanus
- urinary retention
- fractures
- shock - hypovolaemia, sepsis
- death
what are the long term complications of FGM?
- dysmenorrhoea
- dyspareunia (painful sex)
- apareunia (no sex)
- coital lacerations
- chronic pain
- recurrent UTIs
- urinary obstruction
- chronic renal failure
- death
- difficulty conceiving
- genital fistulae e.g. vesico-vaginal fistula
- post-traumatic stress disorder/depression
- keloids - tough fibroid tissue
- sebaceous cysts
- difficult gynaecologist exams including cervical smear testing and miscarriage management
- labial fusion
- repeated mutilation
what are the fatal consequences of FGM?
- lower apgar scores
- more infant resus
- more LBW
- more neural damage
- more IUGR
- an extra 1-2 perinatal deaths per 100 deliveries
what does the 1985 prohibition of female circumcision act state?
it is an offence for any person:
a) to excise, infibulate or otherwise mutilate the whole or any part of the labia or clitoris of another person
b) or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the performance by another person of any of these acts on that other person’s own body
What does the female genital mutilation act 2003 state? (leading on from 1985 act)
penalty for a person found guilty of an offence under the act up to a 14-year prison sentence.
offence also committed if arrangements are made for FGM to be carried out abroad
no offence is committed in association with cutting while giving birth provided the purpose is connected with the labour of the birth
liberal interpretation in providing surgery for comfort, sexual confidence, body image or self esteem