Sudan commits to ban FGM

Sudan has today signaled its intention to ban female genital mutilation (FGM) with a landmark law. Under the amendment, anyone who performs FGM either inside a medical establishment or elsewhere faces three years' imprisonment and a fine.

Yet to be ratified by the sovereign council this is a big step towards eradication of this harmful procedure performed on the female genital organs for a variety of cultural reasons globally.

Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok must be congratulated in proposing this new landmark law. Nearly 87% of Sudanese women undergo FGM/C according to a 2014 United Nations report.

FIGO is the peak body for womens’ health globally and continually champions the eradication of FGM/C. As part of FIGO’s vision that women of the world achieve the highest possible standards of physical, mental, reproductive and sexual health and wellbeing throughout their lives, we are continually championing global efforts to eradicate FGM/C, especially in relation to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) to Eliminate all harmful practices, including female genital mutilation

FIGO stands by our 1994 Montreal General Assembly Global Declaration to:

Explain the dangers of FGM
Educate health professionals about the harm it can cause
Support those who want to end the practice
Assist in any research that will contribute to its elimination
Oppose any attempt to medicalise it.

Our committee for Fistula and Genital trauma works with various global agencies in this aspect.

Today, they have commented:

“This is a great step towards reduction of FGM/C globally. We also feel that there should be absolutely no medicalisation of FGM/C”.

FIGO asks that governments commit to enforcing law on zero tolerance for FGM. We ask that obstetricians and gynecologists ensure that quality clinical care is available to the 200 million women and girls living with FGM, and ask that all members educate their stakeholders about the harm of this human rights violation.