250 women treated for ‘barbaric’ FGM by Scots doctors in 2 years
MORE than 250 women who have suffered female genital mutilation have been identified by NHS staff in Scotland in the past two years.
The figure was disclosed by Scottish Liberal Democrat MP Jo Swinson, who said the ‘barbaric’ practice must be wiped out.
Responses to a freedom of information request from the party show that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recorded at least 138 cases of FGM in 2017 and 2018.
In NHS Lothian, which covers Edinburgh, 93 cases were noted over that two-year period.
Questions submitted to other health boards showed that they had recorded very low or no cases of women with a history of FGM.
NHSGGC stressed it could not confirm the ‘true prevalence’ of FGM in the health board area because it was possible there are ‘significant numbers’ of patients with FGM who have not been seen by doctors.
Those who have had FGM can be identified in a number of ways, including by their GP, maternity services or gynaecology checks.
The recorded cases of women with a history of FGM were revealed after the UN’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for the practice was marked last Wednesday.
Earlier this month, the mother of a three-year-old girl became the first to be convicted of FGM in the UK. The Ugandan woman, 37, from east London, was found guilty at the Old Bailey of cutting her daughter.
East Dunbartonshire MP Miss Swinson, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: ‘These figures show that NHS professionals across Scotland are recording treating women who have experienced FGM.
‘It is a barbaric and traumatic practice that must be completely eradicated. Nobody should be in any doubt it is child abuse and it is against the law. The Scottish and UK governments, police and other services must work closely to protect women and girls from FGM.’
She continued: ‘They must also ensure there are sufficient resources for training and support services to help women and girls who are victims of FGM to deal with the physical and psychological consequences.’
Dr Duncan McCormick, consultant in public health medicine at NHS Lothian, said FGM is ‘a form of abuse and gender-based violence that has serious short and long-term physical and psychological consequences’.
He added: ‘If any health professional has concerns, they have a responsibility to share that information to safeguard the wellbeing of women and children.’
An NHSGGC spokesman said: ‘We have no confirmation that FGM is being practised in Scotland. However, there is intelligence that cutting does happen elsewhere in the UK.’
Minister for Equalities Christina McKelvie said Scotland ‘already has robust laws in place to tackle this illegal practice’.