Special protection over risk of FGM

Special protection orders could be introduced in Scotland in a bid to prevent women and girls at risk of female general mutilation (FGM) from being taken abroad.

The Scottish Government is considering what steps could be taken to help end the “abhorrent” act, with 2,750 girls born in Scotland between 2001 and 2012 whose mothers come from countries where FGM is practiced. It is looking at introducing FGM protection orders that could be used to help prevent at-risk girls being taken overseas.