Female genital mutilation (FGM): an increasingly important healthcare challenge in the UK

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured, or changed without medical reason. Globally, more than 200 million women and girls are affected by FGM, and of these more than 137,000 are thought to be living with the consequences in the UK. FGM is a significant global health concern and is becoming an increasingly important healthcare challenge in the UK owing to rising levels of migration from FGM-affected countries. The annual cost of NHS care for FGM survivors is estimated at £100 million, yet current NHS service provision often remains sub-optimal. There is an urgent need to improve NHS care for FGM survivors and their families.