Religion, personal values and beliefs

Question 1

How many people affected by FGM in UK

Answer 1

~137k, underestimate

Question 2

What is FGM

Answer 2

Includes all procedures involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia or or the injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons
Usually carried out on young girls (infancy - 15yrs) most commonly before puberty
No health benefits!!
Carried out for cultural, religious and social reason within families and communities

Question 3

Who performs FGM

Answer 3

Normally women with no medical training, without anaesthetic or antiseptics and using non-medical tools

Question 4

Which countries is FGM common in

Answer 4

Africa, Middle East, Asia

Question 5

Laws against FGM in UK

Answer 5

Serious Crime Act 2015
Considered a criminal act and illegal in GB
Also illegal to arrange for a child to be taken abroad for FGM - if caught, offenders face a large fine or up to 14yrs in prison

Question 6

What pharmacists and pharmacy techs have to do if they suspect FGM

Answer 6

Have a mandatory legal duty to report, orally or in writing, to the police if:
they have observed physical symptoms indication FGM might have occurred in a girl <18 e.g. difficulty walking, sitting or standing, spending longer than normal in toilet, depression OR a child/young person tells them they have had FGM