Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice affecting millions of girls and women globally. Despite being internationally recognized as a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence, FGM persists in various communities worldwide, including within the United States. In the U.S., efforts to address FGM have intensified in recent years, with healthcare providers playing a crucial role in identifying and supporting victims. This article explores the evolving landscape of healthcare providers’ roles in addressing FGM in the U.S. since 2020, focusing on identification, support, and advocacy.
Female genital mutilation refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has no health benefits and can cause severe physical, psychological, and sexual health consequences. FGM is often performed on girls between infancy and adolescence, although it can also occur in adulthood.
Despite global efforts to eliminate FGM, the practice persists due to cultural, social, and economic factors. Migration from countries where FGM is prevalent has led to its continuation in diaspora communities, including in the United States. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over half a million women and girls in the U.S. are at risk of or have undergone FGM.
Healthcare Providers’ Role in Identification
Healthcare providers are often the first point of contact for individuals who have undergone or are at risk of FGM. Since 2020, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of healthcare professionals in identifying and addressing FGM. Several factors contribute to this heightened awareness:
Training and Education: Medical schools, nursing programs, and other healthcare training institutions have increasingly incorporated FGM education into their curricula. This includes information on recognizing FGM, understanding its health implications, and providing culturally sensitive care to affected individuals.
Clinical Guidelines: Professional organizations, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), have developed guidelines for healthcare providers on addressing FGM. These guidelines outline best practices for identifying FGM, providing medical care, and offering support to survivors.
Cultural Competence: Healthcare providers are increasingly being trained in cultural competence, enabling them to engage effectively with diverse patient populations, including those from communities where FGM is practiced. This includes understanding the cultural context of FGM, addressing stigma and misconceptions, and providing non-judgmental care.
Screening Protocols: Healthcare facilities have implemented screening protocols to identify individuals at risk of FGM or those who have already undergone the procedure. These protocols may involve asking sensitive questions in a private and supportive manner, conducting physical examinations when appropriate, and offering referrals to specialized services.
Collaboration and Referral Networks: Healthcare providers collaborate with community organizations, social services, and law enforcement agencies to support victims of FGM. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that survivors receive comprehensive care, including medical treatment, mental health support, legal assistance, and social services.
Supporting Victims and Survivors
In addition to identification, healthcare providers play a crucial role in supporting victims and survivors of FGM. This support encompasses various aspects of care, including:
- Medical Treatment: Healthcare providers offer medical treatment to address the physical consequences of FGM, such as pain, infection, and complications during this may involve surgical interventions to repair genital injuries or alleviate symptoms.
- Psychological Support: FGM can have profound psychological effects on survivors, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healthcare providers offer counseling, therapy, and mental health support to address these psychological
- Reproductive Health Services: FGM can impact reproductive health and sexuality, including difficulties with menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. Healthcare providers offer reproductive health services tailored to the needs of survivors, including contraceptive counseling, fertility support, and obstetric care.
- Advocacy and Empowerment: Healthcare providers advocate for the rights of FGM survivors and empower them to make informed decisions about their bodies and health. This may involve providing information on legal rights, connecting survivors with advocacy organizations, and supporting their participation in community initiatives.
- Prevention Education: Healthcare providers engage in community outreach and education to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and promote prevention efforts. This includes providing information on the health risks of FGM, dispelling myths and misconceptions, and encouraging dialogue within affected communities.
Challenges and Future Directions
While healthcare providers play a vital role in addressing FGM in the U.S., several challenges remain:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Providing culturally sensitive care requires ongoing training and education for healthcare providers. Understanding the cultural context of FGM and building trust with affected communities are essential for effective engagement.
- Access to Care: Many FGM survivors face barriers to accessing healthcare services, including lack of insurance, language barriers, and fear of stigma or discrimination. Efforts to improve access to care, particularly for marginalized populations, are essential.
- Legal and Policy Frameworks: Despite federal and state laws prohibiting FGM in the U.S., enforcement and prosecution remain limited. Strengthening legal and policy frameworks is critical for preventing FGM and holding perpetrators accountable.
- Research and Data Collection: There is a need for more research on the prevalence, health consequences, and long-term outcomes of FGM in the U.S. Improving data collection and surveillance systems can inform targeted interventions and policy responses.
In conclusion, healthcare providers play a central role in identifying and supporting victims of female genital mutilation in the U.S. since 2020. Through training, education, advocacy, and collaboration, healthcare professionals contribute to efforts to eliminate FGM and ensure that survivors receive the care and support they need. Addressing the complex challenges associated with FGM requires a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach, with healthcare providers playing a critical part in this collective effort.
Written by Nwamaka Ekpecham
Author’s bio
Nwamaka Ekpecham is a distinguished human rights lawyer specializing in women’s and children’s rights, with a particular focus on issues surrounding female infertility and female genital mutilation. With a passion for advocating for the rights and empowerment of women and children, Nwamaka has dedicated her career to fighting against gender-based injustices and promoting equality in all spheres of life.
A prominent figure in the field of human rights, Nwamaka Ekpecham is actively involved in various international human rights bodies, where she contributes her expertise and knowledge to advance the protection and promotion of women’s and children’s rights on a global scale. Her commitment to upholding fundamental human rights principles and her unwavering dedication to advocating for the most vulnerable members of society have earned her respect and admiration within the human rights community.
Nwamaka holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights, which has equipped her with a deep understanding of the legal frameworks and mechanisms necessary to effect positive change in the realm of human rights. Her academic background, combined with her practical experience and advocacy work, positions her as a formidable force in the fight for gender equality, reproductive rights, and the eradication of harmful practices that impede the well-being and dignity of women and children.
Through her tireless efforts, Nwamaka Ekpecham continues to be a beacon of hope for those whose voices are often silenced or ignored, working tirelessly to create a more just and equitable world for all individuals, regardless of gender or age. Her unwavering commitment to human rights advocacy serves as an inspiration to others in the field, and her impact is felt far and wide, leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment, justice, and equality for generations to come.
For more information, connect with Nwamaka Ekpecham on LinkedIn.
