A new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations’ Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) sheds light on the severe and lasting health impacts of female genital mutilation (FGM). The study, published in BMC Public Health, reveals that FGM affects nearly every aspect of the health of women and girls, causing both physical and mental health issues that can persist throughout their lives.
Severe Health Consequences for Women
The study, which analyzed evidence from over 75 studies across 30 countries, highlights the significant health risks faced by women who have undergone FGM. One of the most notable findings is that women with FGM are more likely to experience severe complications during childbirth. They face more than double the risk of prolonged or obstructed labor and haemorrhage, and are also significantly more likely to require emergency caesarean sections or forceps deliveries.
Beyond childbirth, the health risks extend to mental health, with women who have undergone FGM being nearly three times more likely to experience depression or anxiety. They also have a 4.4 times higher likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO and head of HRP, emphasized the urgency of providing timely, high-quality healthcare for survivors. She also stressed the need for community engagement to prevent FGM, raise awareness of its harmful effects, and ensure political commitment to end the practice.
FGM: A Violation of Human Rights
Female genital mutilation involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs. This harmful practice is rooted in deep-seated cultural beliefs and is a severe violation of women and girls’ human rights. It is estimated that around 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone FGM.
While the global prevalence of FGM is declining, the absolute number of cases may still rise due to increasing youth populations in regions where the practice is common. The abandonment of FGM remains challenging, as it is strongly tied to cultural norms.
In recent years, there has been a concerning trend of FGM being performed by health professionals, a practice referred to as “medicalization.” Some believe that involving healthcare providers in the procedure makes it safer. However, studies show that medicalized FGM can cause more severe damage, as it may involve deeper and more severe cuts.
Immediate and Long-Term Health Risks
The immediate risks of FGM are life-threatening and include severe infections, heavy blood loss, extreme pain, and emotional trauma. In the long term, survivors face numerous complications, such as menstrual difficulties, urological problems like urinary tract infections, and painful sexual intercourse.
The study also revealed that FGM has negative effects on babies born to women who have undergone the procedure. Babies are at higher risk of birth complications such as fetal distress or asphyxia, leading to lower survival rates.
WHO’s Response and Recommendations
The WHO supports efforts to strengthen prevention initiatives in the healthcare sector. This includes training health workers to educate communities about the dangers of FGM and providing clinical guidance on how to care for survivors.
The study calls for better understanding of the wide range of complications caused by FGM, including those affecting obstetric, neonatal, gynecological, urological, sexual, and mental health. This understanding is critical for providing survivors with appropriate treatment and support.
WHO plans to release new guidelines for FGM prevention and clinical care based on the findings of this study. FGM remains common in around 30 countries across Africa and Asia, and addressing its impacts requires urgent action at both the local and global levels.
Support for Prevention Efforts
The study was supported by the Governments of Norway and the United Kingdom, along with HRP. HRP is the main research institution within the United Nations system dedicated to sexual and reproductive health.
The WHO’s work on FGM continues to focus on improving prevention strategies and providing support for survivors. Efforts to eradicate FGM require a collaborative approach that engages health professionals, communities, and policymakers to create lasting change.
This study underscores the devastating health effects of FGM and highlights the critical need for global efforts to prevent the practice and support those affected by it.
Related Topics
