Female Genital Mutilation and Obstetric Care

Beverley Chalmers (DSc (Med); PhD) and Kowser Omer-Hashi (RN; BBA)

Between 100-140 million women worldwide have been circumcised and 2 million or more girls, or approximately 5,500 per day, experience this procedure each year. This book provides a valuable resource for those concerned with the Obstetric, Midwifery and Nursing care of women who have previously undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Unique information on the practice of FGM is also provided from a multidisciplinary viewpoint. Embedded n a global perspective, the book integrates social, cultural, religious, psychological and sexual information with appropriate medical and obstetrical care.

FGM is commonly practiced in about 28 countries predominantly in Africa and Asia. Women from these countries are migrating with increasing frequency to Canada, the USA, the UK, Europe and Australia. Caregivers in these countries are infrequently aware of the practice and even less prepared for the medical and obstetric implications of FGM. Nevertheless they are confronted with the reality of caring for these women, particularly during childbirth. There is an urgent need to acquire the skills needed for effective clinical care of women with FGM. Excellent clinical skills are, however, insufficient and must be accompanied by culturally appropriate and sensitive attitudes.

Rare, high-quality photographs of FGM as well as the process of defilation and repair are included in the text.

The book is ideally suited to practicing professionals as well as students in Obstetrics, Midwifery and Nursing. It is also of value to Lawyers, Social Workers, Psychologists, Teachers, and others in the helping professions who care for women or children with FGM. In his foreword to the book, Professor Mahmoud Fathalla (Assiut University Egypt, and Past President of FIGO) highly recommends the book for global application.