What is Female Genital Mutilation? (FGM)



FGM is when the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, when there is no medical reason to do so. It usually happens when someone is a child, before they reach puberty.

Sometimes it's called:

"Cutting"

"Female circumcision"

"Sunna"

"Gudniin"

"Halalays"

"Tahur"

"Megrez"

"Khitan"

FGM is completely ILLEGAL in the UK. It is painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls, causing long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.

All women and girls have the right to control what happens to their bodies. Help is available if you've had FGM or if you're worried that someone you know is at risk.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of FGM:

Contact the police immediately by calling 999

If you're under pressure to perform FGM on your daughter/other relative or you're worried someone is at future risk from FGM:

Contact the NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk or speak to your GP or other healthcare professional.

If you're experiencing problems as a result of FGM:

The Liverpool FGM clinic

Based at the Liverpool Women's Hospital - provides care and support for women who are experiencing problems as a result of female genital mutilation (FGM). The clinic is run by a female-only team, so you can talk about your needs in confidence, in a friendly and non-judgmental environment.

The clinic offers treatments, including a reversal procedure under both local anaesthetic and general anaesthetic, depending on your needs.

If you have been affected by FGM and would like to be seen in this clinic, you can self-refer by completing the form below, or speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor.

https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/our-services/gynaecology/our-clinics/specialist-clinics/

You can also contact us if you have any concerns by calling 0300 323 130