Abstract
IntroductionFemale genital mutilation is a health and human rights issue which extends to western countries. It is estimated that there are some seventeen thousand women and girls living in Spain who have either been mutilated or are at risk of being so. Healthcare professionals face the challenge of providing adequate care in response to this emerging problem. AimTo discover the repercussions of female genital mutilation on the health of sub-Saharan women residing in Spain, as well as the healthcare received. MethodsA life-history qualitative research design was utilized. The study population included 14 genitally mutilated women residing in the Region of Murcia who had given birth in Spain and been attended to by the national public healthcare system. ResultsWomen suffer physical, psychological, obstetric and sexual health issues as a result of female genital mutilation and despite having a favourable perception of the healthcare received during the pregnancy and the delivery, the provision of health education, detection and treatment of female genital mutilation by healthcare professionals was seen to be lacking. Conclusions and practical implicationsHealthcare policy must address insufficiencies in delivering adequate care to immigrant women who have been the victim of female genital mutilation by implementing the necessary resources and training for professionals to effectively meet the specific healthcare needs of this population and prevent this cruel practice from being perpetuated.
Published Version
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