The Department of Health (DoH) is to issue an information pack to GPs setting out the law surrounding female genital mutilation (FGM) – and asking them to warn families that in the UK, FGM is illegal.
The move is part of the UK initiative to stop the practice of young girls being “cut” when young. In some cultures it is believed that FGM is desirable and pleases men.
The practice is usually carried out when a girl approached puberty, but girls as young as eight have been cut.
The DoH statement will make it clear that in the UK, FGM carries a prison sentence. Britain banned FGM in 1985 and in 2003 FGM carried out on girls overseas was also banned.
GPs, hospital doctors and other health professionals have all been asked to report any cases of FGM they find.
The information pack issued to GPs will include leaflets to be handed to families who attend a GP surgery, to make sure that families understand that FGM is illegal in Britain.
It is hoped that the leaflet will also enable families who travel overseas with young female relatives to resist any pressure to have a young girl cut while abroad.
The information pack also advises GPs on their “safeguarding” duties to young girls at risk of FGM.
Any cases which cause concern are to be reported to social services.
In order to help doctors identify and understand FGM more, the DoH has also produced a DVD, which will be included with the information pack.
The government is hoping that by equipping GPs with the necessary information and tools to warn families and flag up cases of FGM, it will also be easier to identify exactly how many victims of the practice there are in the UK.
David Cameron announced that the UK would take a leading in eradicating FGM at the Girls Summit in July 2014.
The Prime Minister also spoke out about the practice of forced marriage, where girls are sent abroad on holiday or to visit family and arrive to find an arranged marriage has been organised for them.
Commenting on the FGM information pack for GPs, Minister for Public Health Jane Ellison said:
“We known GPs are often the first point of contact for survivors of FGM – and play a key role in combating this illegal and dangerous practice.
“This pack has been developed to give doctors the knowledge and resources they need to help us protect girls – and care for women who have undergone FGM.”
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