Female genital mutilation (female circumcision)
The law and FGM
FGM is illegal in the UK.
It is an offence to:
- perform FGM (including taking a childabroad for FGM)
- help a girl perform FGM on herself in or outside the UK
- help anyone perform FGM in the UK
- help anyone perform FGM outside the UK on a UK national or resident
- fail to protect a girl for whom you are responsible from FGM
Anyone who performs FGM can face up to 14 years in prison. Anyone found guilty of failing to protect a girl from FGM can face up toseven years in prison.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out what female genital mutilation (FGM) is, why and where's it carried out, what the health risks are, and where to get help and advice.
Forms of FGM
There are four main types of FGM: Type 1 (clitoridectomy) removing part or all of the clitoris. Type 2 (excision) removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia (lips that surround th
Effects of FGM
There are no health benefits to FGM and it can cause serious harm, including: constant pain pain and/or difficulty having sex repeated infections, which can lead to infertility bleeding, cysts a
Treatment for FGM(deinfibulation)
Surgery can be performed to open up the vagina, if necessary. This is called deinfibulation. It's sometimes known as a "reversal" although this name is misleading, as the procedure doesnt replace any
Getting help and support
All women and girls have the right to control what happens to their bodies and the right to say no to FGM. Help is available if you've had FGM or you're worried that you or someone you know is at ris
Why FGM is carried out
FGM is carried out for various cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities in the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl in some way (for example, as a preparation fo
Where FGM is carried out
Girls are sometimes taken abroad for FGM, but they may not be aware that this is the reason for their travel. Girls are more at risk of FGM being carried out during the summer holidays, as this allows
The law and FGM
FGM is illegal in the UK. It is an offence to: perform FGM (including taking a childabroad for FGM) help a girl perform FGM on herself in or outside the UK help anyone perform FGM in the UK help
Download the Statement Opposing FGM
The summer holidays are when many young girls are taken abroad, often to their family's birth country, to have FGM performed. The FGM statement, also known as the FGM health passport, highlights the f
Leaflets to download
The Department of Health has published leaflets for patients who want to know more about FGM. These are available in the following languages: More about FGM English version (PDF, 117kb) Mwy o w
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