Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes it a criminal offence for UK national or permanent residents to mutilate or to help carry out FGM both here and abroad. 

After 31 October 2015, there were two important changes relevant to general practice regarding FGM:

• Mandatory reporting of any girl under 18 who may have undergone or be at risk of FGM
• A FGM dataset for women over 18

The FGM Learning Tool can be accessed through the RCPCH.

See the FGM Safeguarding pathway below.