Last updated:
23rd June 2023
Female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting (FGC), is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured, or changed, but there is no reason for this to be done. It is also known as female circumcision or cutting and by other terms such as sunnah, sunna, gudniin, halayas, tahur, megrez, and khitan among others.
FGM/C is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts, but this is not always the case. It is very painful and can seriously harm the health of women and girls, often causing long-term problems with sex, childbirth, and mental health.
FGM/C is illegal in the UK and is classed as child abuse.
If someone is at threat of FGM/C, protection can be sought through a FGM Protection Order or if the person is in immediate danger, contact the police by calling 999.
