What can be done to raise midwives' awareness of female genital mutilation?

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a safeguarding issue on which many midwives and health professionals in the UK have limited knowledge. This review synthesises the available literature and examines the resulting themes: cultural sensitivity, training, language and cultural differences, all of which can act as barriers to safeguarding women in maternity services. By understanding the effects of FGM, midwives in the areas where FGM is less prevalent will be better able to care for these women when they encounter them, which may be increasingly likely, as the numbers of women migrating to the UK grow.