ABSTRACT
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a violation of the rights of women and children. It denies women and children security, personal liberty and the right to health. This chapter discusses the historical and social context of FGM, types of FGM, why it is practised and its prevalence. The effect on women's physical, sexual and psychological health is discussed, as well as issues related to childbirth and the law. The power of older women, as key decision makers in perpetuating FGM, is a further point of focus. Child protection issues and what professionals should do when a child is at risk of FGM are addressed along with the role of the midwife as advocate and carer. The effects of FGM on women and girls greatly depend on a number of factors: severity and type of FGM, competence of the person performing FGM, the un/sanitary conditions under which it is performed, 'cooperation' and health of the child at the time of FGM.
