ABSTRACT
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a procedure involving cutting of the external genital organs, for which there is no medical necessity. Female circumcision can cause serious physical health problems. Research by the WHO Study Group on Female Genital Mutilation and Obstetric Outcome found that women in Africa who had been circumcised experienced more complications during childbirth, including a larger incidence of Caesarean sections, haemorrhaging and a higher infant mortality rate. However, little is known about the psychosocial and relational consequences of FGM/C. While some research points to the fact that FGM/C may lead in the long term to trauma-related complaints, anxiety disorders, a distorted or negative self-image and feelings of incompleteness and distrust. The way the women cope with the migrant situation and the problems they have differ considerably. Health care providers should be alert to what cues may be indicative of chronic problems and enhance their (intercultural) communication skills in relation to these problems.
