Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

If you're concerned that someone may be at risk, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.

If you have had FGM, you can get help from a specialist NHS gynaecologist or FGM service. Ask a GP or midwife about services in your area.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there's no medical reason for this to be done. It's also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as Sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan.

FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15. It is very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls, with both short-term and long-term consequences.

Surgery can be performed to open up the vagina if it has been sealed. This is called deinfibulation. While it does not replace any removed tissue, it can help relieve many of the physical symptoms and problems caused by FGM, such as difficulty with urination and sex.

This surgery can be performed before pregnancy or during it, although it is ideal to have it done before the last two months of pregnancy.

FGM is illegal in the UK. It is a serious criminal offence to:

• Perform FGM (including taking a child abroad for FGM).
• Help a girl perform FGM on herself.
• Help anyone else perform FGM on a UK national or resident.
• Fail to protect a girl for whom you are responsible from FGM.

The penalty for performing FGM can be up to 14 years in prison. Failing to protect a girl from FGM carries a sentence of up to 7 years.

A tool to help protect girls at risk when travelling.

The summer holidays are a high-risk time when girls may be taken abroad for FGM. The government provides a "Statement Opposing FGM" (also known as an FGM health passport). This document states clearly that FGM is illegal in the UK. It can be shown to family members to explain the law and the serious consequences of performing FGM.