FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Femal genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as 'all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external femal genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons'. There are four types of FGM, all of which are illegal in the UK.

Type 1. Clitoridectomy Partial or complete excision of the clitoris, and in some cases, the prepuce only.

Type 2. Excision Partial or complete excision of the clitoris and labia minora, with or without the removal of the labia majora.

Type 3. Infibulation Narrowing of the vaginal opening by cutting and repositioning the inner or outer labia. 

Type 4. Other All other harmful practices to the female exxternal genitalia for non-medical reasons, including genital tattooing and piercing. 

The Serious Crime Act 2015 makes it a mandatory duty for those working in regulated professions, including nurses, to report to the police the discovery of FGM in young women and girls under the age of 18 years. It is also an offence to fail to protect a girl under the age of 16 years from risk of FGM. The UK Department of Health also requires manadatory recording of FGM in the patient's medical record, irrespective of the woman or girl's age. 

FGM is associated with a number of serious physical and mental health complications.