Female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision (FC)
is a hazardous practice that negatively affects the health and wellbeing of
girls and women. Recently, immigrant women who are victims of the cultural
practice of FGM/FC have been facing health complications because health
providers in their host countries are largely ignorant of the practice and its
implications for women's health. This study is a preliminary investigation into
immigrant genitally mutilated Sudanese women residing in London (UK). The study
surveyed the problems that face genitally mutilated Sudanese women and their
awareness of available health services in London. The study revealed that nearly
50% of genitally mutilated Sudanese women faced complications during delivery in
London hospitals. A good number had to deliver their babies by caesarean section
although their previous confinements were normal. Also, more than 50% of them
faced complications that arose from their mutilation other than those
encountered during delivery. These were caused, to a great extent, by the
ignorance of most British health providers of FGM/FC health complications. There
is only one specialized clinic in London that deals with FGM/FC, and the
overwhelming majority of genitally mutilated Sudanese women are unaware of its
existence.Since the majority of mutilated Sudanese women live in the Paddington
area, the study recommended that a specialized clinic has to be established at
St Mary's Hospital in Paddington since its health policy does not presently
cater for FGM/FC complications. As great numbers of genitally mutilated women
from different countries have immigrated to the UK, it was also recommended that
FGM/FC health and other complications are to be included in the curricula of
educational institutes at which health providers are trained. In addition, ad
hoc training sessions on FGM/FC complications should be offered to all health
providers at all levels in the United Kingdom