MWF is committed to the eradication of FGM and recognises the crucial role of health professionals in caring for women with FGM and safeguarding girls at risk.
In the UK it is estimated that at least 66 000 women and girls have been subjected to FGM and it is essential that they receive safe medical care after they have given birth; these women are more likely to tear and the suturing required to control bleeding may be complicated to perform. Following the recent prosecution of a junior doctor, many obstetricians and midwives now fear that when they suture women with FGM after birth, particularly those who are bleeding heavily, they themselves risk being accused of carrying out FGM. Furthermore, prosecutions related to the way women are sutured after birth take the focus away from the real perpetrators of this abhorrent crime – those who cut or assist in the cutting of girls, both in the UK and abroad.
MWF supports the obstetricians and midwives who are working so hard to deliver high quality care to women with FGM.
For more information on this recent prosecution (as of 03/2014) please see the articles below:
FGM charges against doctor 'have left medical staff afraid'
FGM charge obscures the real issues
FGM: Top gynaecologist hits out at 'political' prosecution for female genital mutilation
Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi for the Guardian
