What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

FGM is when a female's genitals are deliberately altered or removed for non-medical reasons. It's also known as 'female circumcision' or 'cutting', but has many other names.

FGM is a form of child abuse. It's dangerous and a criminal offence in the UK. We know:

there are no medical reasons to carry out FGM
it's often performed by someone with no medical training, using instruments such as knives, scalpels, scissors, glass or razor blades
children are rarely given anaesthetic or antiseptic treatment and are often forcibly restrained
it's used to control female sexuality and can cause long-lasting damage to physical and emotional health.

FGM can happen at different times in a girl or woman's life, including: