MWF welcomes the outcome of the UK's first prosecution on FGM in which a trainee in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, who had no experience or training in its management, was acquitted by a jury in less than 30 minutes. The not-guilty verdict supports Dr Darmasena’s repeated claim that he considers FGM an abhorrent practice and never intended to cause harm to the patient. Indeed he was noted by the judge to have been let down by systematic institutional failings.
This case highlights the complex issues surrounding management of women with FGM, the need for improved training and systems of care, and the dangers of scapegoating well intentioned health professionals. MWF believe this trial was not in the public interest and has not furthered the goal of ending FGM in the UK.
MWF welcomes the government announcement on International Day of Zero Tolerance of FGM on 6th February, of £1.6 million funding for FGM prevention strategies and improved care for affected women, including Health Education England's FGM e-learning programme
Dr Naomi Low-Beer
Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Imperial
MWF FGM Expert
