Friday 6 February Marks International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Over 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone FGM, with a further 68 million at risk by 2030.
In the UK, an estimated 137,000 women and girls are affected. FGM has been illegal since 1985, with safeguarding measures introduced in 2015, yet the practice still persists.
Recent media and scientific journal narratives have drawn comparisons between female genital mutilation and consensual cosmetic gynaecological procedures, including labiaplasty and vaginoplasty. These practices are fundamentally different in their intent, context and impact.
What is female genital mutilation?
FGM includes all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or any other injury to female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. It is also sometimes called female circumcision or cutting.
It is illegal to perform FGM in the UK. It is also illegal to arrange (or assist in arranging) for anyone in the UK to be taken abroad for the purpose of FGM. It is recognised as a human rights violation, has no health benefits, and harms girls and women in many ways.
What are gynaecological surgeries - including labiaplasty and vaginoplasty?
Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) includes several procedures involving the labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, vagina, mons pubis and genital area.(1) FGCS procedures are distinct from FGM in that they are not forced, are not performed on children, and are subject to professional standards, regulation and ethical oversight.
Labiaplasty and vaginoplasty surgeries are rarely undertaken by the NHS unless medically necessary, such as to repair tears after childbirth, significant congenital abnormalities and removing cancerous tissue if a woman has vulval cancer.
Adult women may elect to have surgical or energy-based procedures, for example, labial reduction. There are known risks to having cosmetic surgeries and the RCOG guidance is clear that labiaplasty procedures should not be undertaken on under 18s and that any women over 18 seeking the procedure must be fully informed of the risks.
RCOG position
Dr Sherif Abdel-Fattah, Vice President for Global Health, said: “The RCOG unequivocally opposes all forms of female genital mutilation, recognising it as a form of abuse which can have devastating, long-term consequences for women and girls, affecting their physical, psychological, sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing. Comparing the forced practice FGM with gynaecological surgical procedures is deeply misleading.
“On International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and beyond, the College remains committed to supporting an end to all forms of FGM worldwide. As well as amplifying the global movement of survivors and civil society groups, we aim to combat FGM and its rising medicalisation through our own research, advocacy, and training.”
Through our clinical and advocacy training, the College will continue to actively support healthcare professionals to raise awareness of medicalised FGM/C and advocate for change.
In Egypt, our 'Combatting FGM/C: A workshop for healthcare professionals' training has been delivered to 150 healthcare professionals. By developing a network of anti-FGM/C champions in Egypt and collaborating with local NGOs, we are ensuring that healthcare professionals have the opportunities, training and support they need to end medicalised FGM/C.
- Read more about the College’s work around FGM here.
- Read our patient information resource on FGM here.
References
1. Cosmetic gynaecology - Bugeja - 2024 - The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist - Wiley Online Library