Female genital mutilation (FGM)

FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
The practice of FGM has no health benefits, causes severe pain and has several immediate and long-term health consequences. It is mostly carried out by traditional providers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths.

• See fact sheet
• Classification
• Trends
• Prevalence
• Health consequences

WHO's research seeks to generate knowledge about the causes and consequences of FGM, how to eliminate it, and how to care for those who have experienced FGM. Summaries of other research in the following areas are also provided along with full texts where available.

• Overview of FGM research
• Health consequences
• Prevalence and classification
• Treatment
• Medicalization
• Behaviour change

Research continues to be needed on aspects that will contribute to the elimination and prevention of FGM and better care for girls and women who have been subjected to the practice.

• Estimating the obstetric costs of female genital mutilation in six African countries
• Dynamics of decision-making and change in the practice of female genital mutilation in the Gambia and Senegal
• Effects of female genital mutilation on childbirth in Africa

Eliminating female genital mutilation - An interagency statement - OHCHR, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNECA, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNIFEM, WHO

This Statement is a call to all States, international and national organizations, civil society and communities to uphold the rights of girls and women. It also calls on those bodies and communities to develop, strengthen, and support specific and concrete actions directed towards ending female genital mutilation.

• Download statement
• Other languages