As we witness Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on 6 February, the Royal College of Midwives urges the UK government to ensure that all FGM survivors can access and receive the care, dignity and support they need and deserve.
FGM is a serious human rights violation affecting more than 230 million women and girls worldwide. Survivors often live with lifelong physical, psychological and sexual health consequences, requiring sensitive, trauma-informed and culturally competent care.
Midwives are often the first professionals to identify and support women affected by FGM. Comprehensive, mandatory training for midwives and other frontline health professionals must be properly funded so they can provide informed care and play a role in safeguarding and FGM prevention. The RCM has worked with NHS England to update the national FGM e-learning package, due for release in April 2026, and to strengthen guidance for child protection medical assessments where FGM is suspected.
In 2025, the RCM gave evidence to the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee on FGM. Key recommendations in the Committee’s Seventh Report included mandatory training for midwives and sustainable funding by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to meet local need, including access to accredited and culturally sensitive interpreters
Mental health support must be recognised as a core part of NHS care for FGM survivors. Yet access to specialist psychological services remains inconsistent and patchy. All FGM support clinics should offer specialist counselling and therapy delivered by professionals with expertise in FGM and complex trauma.
Communities are central to FGM prevention. Grassroots organisations have led FGM prevention work in collaboration for decades, building trust, shifting norms and protecting girls. The government must commit long-term funding to these community-led initiatives, rather than relying on short-term projects that undermine impact.
Better data is urgently needed, including up-to-date UK FGM prevalence, research into psychological outcomes, and establishing the evidence base to inform decisions on reconstructive surgery where appropriate.
In the lead up to 2030, political will, funding and partnership, the UK can continue to lead in both preventing FGM and caring for those who live with its consequences.
