RCM urges Government to focus action on tackling medicalisation of FGM
By RCM urges Government to focus action on tackling medicalisation of FGM on 06 February 2020 Midwives RCM RCM Member FGM - Female Genital Mutilation Government Specialist Midwives
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is urging the Government to focus action on tackling the medicalisation of FGM. The RCM believes that collaborating with professional organisations to develop strategies can counteract the trend.
Commenting, Janet Fyle MBE, Professional Policy Advisor at the RCM said: "FGM is a human rights abuse against girls and women that must not be tolerated in the UK or elsewhere in our world. Collective action is needed by all of us to tackle this abuse wherever it happens, through collaboration, sharing good practice and ensuring that we protect girls who are at risk, vulnerable and least able to protect themselves from FGM.
"We applaud the government's action in tackling FGM both here in the UK and in countries of high prevalence. However, the biggest threat to this progress is the increase medicalisation of FGM and that is why we are asking them to concentrate their efforts on tackling the medicalisation of FGM.
"Also, the challenge of providing specialist services and support to young girls and women who need them still remains in many parts of the UK. Some survivors still cannot access the much needed physical and psychological support they require and deserve, that's why we must ensure there is long-term commitment to fund specialist clinics within communities."
ENDS
Notes to editors
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation – 6 February 2020 More information is available here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day
#EndFGM
November 2019
‘Midwives key frontline professionals to identify FGM says RCM’
June 2019
RCM launches e-network for midwives and key healthcare professionals who work on FGM issues https://www.rcm.org.uk/media-releases/2019/june/rcm-launches-e-network-for-midwives-and-key-professionals-who-work-on-fgm-issues/
\in September 2017 the RCM launched a series of hard-hitting short animations on FGM aimed at raising awareness publicly about FGM and the lifetime consequences it has for survivors and these can be viewed here; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC33RQaJyF3H5EyVlzY3V3rw
In late March 2020 the RCM will launch a second series of animations using the voices of men to speak to men on FGM.
To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk.
The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.