Facts and fiction regarding female circumcision/female genital mutilation: a pilot study in New York City.
Little information on the practice of female circumcision/female genital mutilation (FC/FGM) in the West is currently available. Recent legislative efforts have largely ignored the main public health issue: the needs of girls and women living with circumcision in a new country that condemns the practice and where health care providers are not trained in the management of its complications. We report here on a needs assessment designed to determine the extent of FC/FGM in African immigrant communities in New York City, the health and social service needs of African immigrant women, and the training and information needs of their providers. Obstetrics/ gynecology providers in 8 of New York's 11 public hospitals and 10 maternal infant care/family planning (MIC/FP) clinics were surveyed, along with 20 women from FGM-practicing countries. Quality services for women living with circumcision can be fostered if care is provided in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner, with thorough training and education of health care providers on the physical and mental health consequences and clinical management of FC/FGM, along with counseling guidelines, interdepartmental linkages, referrals and integrated service delivery, and the provision of translators and information in African languages.
Eyega
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Research, Action & Information Network for Bodily Integrity of Women (RAINB Female), New York City, USA.
Conneely
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D019093:Circumcision, Female; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008430:Maternal-Child Health Centers; D009519:New York City; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; D010865:Pilot Projects