7. Words matter: Charting the landscape of US and international English-speaking health profession organizations' Public Statements about FGM/C

Abstract

Health profession organizations often create policy and position statements that set the tone and direction for the organization and describe desired behaviors and actions applicable to the organization and its members. It's unclear whether or what organizational statements (not clinical practice guidelines) exist on FGM/C. We reviewed publicly available statements made by health profession organizations in English-speaking countries, whose members may care for women and girls who had undergone, or are at risk for, FGM/C, and assessed their content related to medicalization, reinfibulation and vacation cutting. Of a total of 45 organizations, 24 (53%) had any statements; only 26% of US-based physician organizations had any statements. Few had specific statements on medicalization, but the tone and instructional nature varied. Re-infibulation was mentioned by 41% organizations with statements. 29% mentioned vacation cutting. Several health profession organizations in English-speaking countries have statements on FGM/C. Variations in content and recommendations exist. Organizations serve and are the face and voice of their members, and have a responsibility to educate their members, set the tone for the conversation, and make their stand clear to their members and other stakeholders, including patients.