FGM: dispelling the myths; exploring the facts.
Female genital mutilation is a process that affects our practice. It is becoming more common in our ever-diversifying population and therefore education is vitally important to be able to put robust care plans in place. Understanding the psychological and physical difficulties experienced by women of childbearing age can help us to improve the care that we, as maternity healthcare professionals, can deliver. Looking at current research, this article examines some of the presumed cultural and societal beliefs behind the procedure and highlights some new evidence that change is welcomed by women and their families.
Rebecca
R
Dixon-Wright
D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008880:Midwifery / Q000379:methods*; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011247:Pregnancy; D012938:Social Perception