The new provision, which was introduced as an addition to the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (section 5A), will allow a girl who is at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) or a "relevant third party" to apply to the court for an order to impose restrictions or requirements on a person or persons with the aim of preventing FGM. FGM is the act of removing some or all external female genitalia and is carried out for cultural, religious or social reasons within families and communities. It can cause chronic physical problems, including vaginal and pelvic infections, abnormal periods, persistent urinary tract infections, possible kidney failure and infertility, along with mental health problems. It is predominantly practiced in parts of Africa, and also in parts of the Middle East and Asia, and among Diaspora communities in the UK. About 20,000 girls under 15 years are believed to be at risk of FGM every year in the UK.
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