ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the types of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) that exist, the difficulties involved in knowing exactly how prevalent it is and the physical, psychological and sexual problems it causes. It evaluates the overall usefulness of the legislative approach more generally when intervention and campaign approaches towards ending FGM are considered. The children's charity, Plan, is one of the groups that work internationally to end FGM, particularly focusing on working with children in the world's poorest countries. The chapter describes, the legislative approach is one of the approaches taken by England and Wales with the act of FGM and some related offences punishable on conviction by up to life imprisonment. It considers to take the 'politics' out of the practice and instead focus on the short- and long-term health consequences of FGM. The chapter explores that for many FGM is a harmful cultural practice with severe health implications including potential fatality.