A discussion of the legal aspects of female genital mutilation.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the position of the nurse/midwife in the United Kingdom when involved with the care of a woman or female child who has suffered genital mutilation, which is an illegal practice in this country and most other areas of the world. The types of circumcision commonly practised are introduced, the prevalent reasons for the continuation of the practice among certain ethnic groups are presented, and the range of issues to be considered by the nurse is examined. These include international and national legal aspects which do not exist in isolation and are considered in context with cultural, medical, human rights and gender issues. Nursing legal issues include child protection, consent, advocacy and confidentiality, which invoke the Code Of Professional Conduct of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing Midwifery & Health Visiting. Midwives and nurses working in the field of gynaecology have raised questions regarding possible courses of action to take when presented with this issue. Increased knowledge can help to inform those decisions. Therefore, implications for future practice are addressed, together with recommendations to assist nurses with decision making when faced with this scenario in the future.