Female genital mutilation (FGM)


It's also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez, and khitan, among others.

Why does it happen?

FGM is carried out for various cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities in the mistaken belief that it will benefit the girl in some way, for example as a preparation for marriage, or to preserve her virginity.

FGM is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15; most commonly before puberty starts.

FGM is often performed by traditional circumcisers or cutters who do not have any medical training, but in some countries it may be done by a medical professional. Anaesthetics and antiseptics are not generally used, and FGM is often carried out using knives, scissors, scalpels, pieces of glass or razor blades. 

FGM in UK law

FGM often happens against a girl's will without her consent, and girls may have to be forcibly restrained. It's illegal in the UK and is child abuse. It is also illegal to take a child out of the UK for FGM.  

It's an offence to:

  • perform FGM (including taking a child abroad for FGM) 
  • help anyone perform FGM in the UK 
  • fail to protect a girl for whom you're responsible from FGM 




How it affects the victim

FGM can cause serious harm, including:

  • constant pain 
  • pain and difficulty having sex 
  • repeated infections, which can lead to infertility
  • bleeding, cysts and abscesses
  • problems peeing or holding pee in (incontinence)
  • depression, flashbacks and self-harm  
  • It can also cause long-term problems with sex, childbirth and mental health.

Further information:


Forward UK

World Health Organisation