It is estimated that 66,000 women and girls have undergone the illegal practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in England and Wales, and another 24,000 girls under the age of 15 are considered to be at risk every year of undergoing FGM.
Female genital mutilation is the traditional practice of cutting of the vagina for non-medical purposes, and typically involves the removal of the clitoris, or sewing up of the lips of the labia, leaving a small hole for the passing of urine and menstrual blood. The practice is often done in unhygienic conditions by people with no medical training, leaving children in excruciating pain and exposing them to a range of negative physical and psychological consequences. FGM is practiced in at least 28 African countries and some countries in the Middle East and Asia. For girls living in the UK, it often takes place when they go abroad.
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