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The experience of NHS care for women living with female genital mutilation

23 May 2019
Professional
02 May 2019
Volume 28 · Issue 10

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to explore and analyse the experiences of women living with female genital mutilation (FGM) who have sought help from healthcare providers within the NHS. Nine women aged 20–46 years were recruited from support organisations in the north-west of England and interviewed about their experiences of NHS care and if any screening had taken place in relation to the consequences of living with FGM. The interviews were undertaken in English, audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using a framework analysis method. Eight of the women had given birth and the main contact with the NHS had been with midwifery, gynaecology and paediatric services. Three key themes emerged from the qualitative data: involvement with healthcare professionals; silent suffering; and compassionate communication. Findings highlight the importance of sensitive and culturally competent communication nurses require to support women and refer them to appropriate services.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice whereby female infants or young girls undergo a procedure that involves partial or total removal of the external female genital organs, or any other injury to the female genitalia for non-medical reasons; the practice is deemed a violation of the human rights of women and girls (World Health Organization (WHO), 2018).

The WHO (2018) classifies FGM into four main types: type 1 (clitoridectomy) which involves partial or total removal of the clitoris and occasionally the prepuce; type 2 (excision) involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris, the removal of the labia minora and may include removal of the labia majora; type 3 (infibulation) involves the narrowing of the vaginal opening by the formation of a seal, which includes incising and repositioning the labia minora and majora with or without removal of the clitoris; and type 4 (other), which comprises of any harmful procedure to the female genitalia and may include nicking, scraping, piercing or pulling or elongating the labia.

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Female genital mutilation
Cultural differences
Nursing care
Qualitative research