Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as cutting or female circumcision, is a procedure carried out on girls and young women/people with a vulva, which involves removing some or all the external genitals for any reasons other than genuine medical necessity. FGM has no health benefits and is harmful in many ways. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue and interferes with the natural functions of people’s bodies.
FGM is illegal in the UK, and it’s also illegal to take someone out of the country to make them have FGM in a country where it isn’t against the law. The maximum sentence for carrying out FGM, or helping it to take place, is 14 years in prison.
FGM can cause serious life-long conditions such as:
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Incontinence or difficulties urinating
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Frequent or chronic vaginal, pelvic or urinary infections
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Painful or problematic periods
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Kidney damage and possible kidney failure
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Cysts and abscesses
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Pain during sex
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Infertility
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Complications during pregnancy and childbirth
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Loss of sensation in the clitoris and/or vagina
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Emotional and mental health problems
Who is at most risk?
The people most at risk of FGM in the UK are girls, young women and people with a vulva who come from or who have strong family links to countries where FGM is common. They might have been born in another country and have come to live in the UK, or they might have been born in the UK and have parents who are originally from another country.
The age at which FGM is carried out varies. It may take place:
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when a baby is newborn
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during childhood or adolescence
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just before marriage
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during pregnancy
Where to get help
If you are worried that you might be at risk of FGM, or that someone you know might be, it’s important to speak to someone you trust, like a teacher or a doctor. There are also lots of organisations which can help and you will always be taken seriously. Call the NSPCC’s FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp