International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

To mark the international day of Zero Tolerance to FGM (February 6), the two organisations, representing millions of physicians and 124 obstetrical and gynecological associations worldwide, strongly condemn the medicalisation of female genital mutilation. 

Professor Gamal I. Serour, President of FIGO, said: ‘Death, severe pain, haemorrhage, tetanus, sepsis, recurrent urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, increased complications of subsequent pregnancy and childbirth, as well as adverse psychological and sexual effects are just a few examples of its extreme consequences. The practice of FGM violates human rights principles.’ 

He said that according to a recent World Health Organisation report on women and health there had been a small decrease in the extent of FGM in recent years, a decline in the average age at which FGM was performed, and a marked increase in the proportion of girls who underwent FGM before the age of five years. The report also said there was a growing tendency for FGM to be carried out by health professionals. 

Dr. Dana Hanson, President of the WMA, said: ‘The medicalisation of FGM is a matter of deep concern for us. It blatantly infringes the code of medical ethics. Physicians should need no reminding about the acute dangers of FGM for women and girls to discourage them from performing or promoting such practices. They are a violation of women’s human rights that physicians and other health professionals should never practice under any circumstances. We would like to see physicians and medical associations taking a more robust stand against these harmful and degrading treatments.’ 

Professor Serour added: ‘Health professionals can play a unique role in working towards the elimination of FGM to ensure that girls and women enjoy the full extent of human rights and freedoms, and are treated with dignity and understanding.’ 

                                                                 ENDS 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

www.wma.net The World Medical Association is the independent confederation of national medical associations from 95 countries and represents more than eight million physicians. Acting on behalf of patients and physicians, the WMA endeavours to achieve the highest possible standards of medical care, ethics, education and health-related human rights for all people.
 

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The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) is a professional organisation that brings together obstetrical and gynecological associations from all over the world. FIGO has a vision that women of the world achieve the highest possible standards of physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

FIGO is dedicated to the improvement of women’s health and rights and to the reduction of disparities in healthcare available to women and newborns, as well as to advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynecology.

The organisation pursues its mission through advocacy, programmatic activities, capacity strengthening of member associations and education and training.

Communications contact: Alexandra Gilpin,  Alexandra@figo.org,  020 7928 1166 www.figo.org