Female genital mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also called ‘female cutting’ or ‘female circumcision’, is defined by the World Health Organisation as any procedure involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is illegal in the UK, with a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Find out what we're doing to prevent FGM, and how to get help if you’ve been affected. 

Types of FGM

FGM can have severe consequences psychologically, emotionally and medically.  It can include extreme pain, shock, infection, haemorrhage, infertility, incontinence, HIV, urinary tract infections, menstrual obstruction, and death.

There are no health benefits to FGM. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue, and interferes with the natural functions of women’s bodies for the rest of their lives.

FGM is classified into four main types:

• type 1: partial or total removal of the clitoris or clitoral hood
• type 2: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minor
• type 3: narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal, formed by cutting and sewing over the outer labia
• type 4: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, stretching or cauterising the genital area

Find out more about the medical aspects of FGM.

FGM and the law

FGM is child abuse and is against the law in the UK. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes it illegal to:

• perform FGM in the UK
• assist or arrange for anyone to carry out FGM abroad on girls who are British Nationals or habitual UK residents
• assist a girl to carry out FGM on herself

FGM carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.

FGM protection orders (FGMPOs)

An FGM protection order (FGMPO) is a civil order used to protect those who are vulnerable to FGM, and prevent it from taking place. It gives the courts flexibility in stipulating conditions around safeguarding the welfare of the protected person. This means a court can put provisions in place to facilitate the safe return of girls who have been taken outside the UK for the purpose of FGM.

An FGMPO can be obtained through three issuing family courts. Breaching an FGMPO can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Warning signs

There are a number of indicators a girl could have been subjected to FGM. Examples can be:

• significant changes in behaviour
• absenteeism from school, particularly after a trip to an FGM practising country
• spending long periods of time out of the classroom
• spending longer than usual going to the toilet
• avoiding going to the toilet
• discomfort when sitting down
• avoiding physical exercise and PT classes
• frequent menstrual or urinary infections

Children are often unaware that FGM is going to take place. Unfortunately this means there may be few warning signs before it happens. However, sometimes children are made aware in advance, which can lead to a change in their behaviour, such as seeking advice or help from professionals and friends.

How to report FGM

If you suspect a person of carrying out FGM, or think someone you know has been a victim, or may be soon, visit our How to report possible child abuse page to find a range of ways to get in touch. Alternatively, call the national FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550.