ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on diverse subject areas including social constructivist theory and anthropology, examines the main factors that have contributed to the current position of female genital mutilation (FGM) as it relates to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in contemporary UK society. The potential complications of FGM are manifold, and may have immediate, short-term or long-term effects on both physical and psychological health. Michel Foucault insists that female must additionally consider the more creative elements of power, which come to the fore in the social construction of choices and preferences. There is no mention of FGM in the Qur'an, and FGM has been openly condemned by leading Islamic clerics but there remains much confusion in some practising communities about FGM and Islam. Women and girls affected by FGM should have access to accurate information, and good quality safe healthcare. Inconsistencies between government foreign and domestic policy with regards to FGM must therefore be highlighted and addressed.
