Problems That Face Genitally Mutilated Immigrant Sudanese Women and Their Awareness of Available Health Services in London: A Case Study

Authors

  • Amna M. Badri Women Documentation Center at Ahfad University For Women, Omdurman, Sudan.
  • Ahmed Abdel Magied School Of Family Sciences and editor of Ahfad Journal, published by the Ahfad University For Women, Omdurman, Sudan.

Keywords:

Female Genital Mutilation, Female sexuality, Female circumcision, Sudan, Women's health, Immigration - UK,

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision (FC) is a hazardous practice that negatively affects the health and wellbeing of girls and women. Recently, immigrant women who are victims of the cultural practice of FGM/FC have been facing health complications because health providers in their host countries are largely ignorant of the practice and its implications for women's health. This study is a preliminary investigation into immigrant genitally mutilated Sudanese women residing in London (UK). The study surveyed the problems that face genitally mutilated Sudanese women and their awareness of available health services in London. The study revealed that nearly 50% of genitally mutilated Sudanese women faced complications during delivery in London hospitals. A good number had to deliver their babies by caesarean section although their previous confinements were normal. Also, more than 50% of them faced complications that arose from their mutilation other than those encountered during delivery. These were caused, to a great extent, by the ignorance of most British health providers of FGM/FC health complications. There is only one specialized clinic in London that deals with FGM/FC, and the overwhelming majority of genitally mutilated Sudanese women are unaware of its existence.Since the majority of mutilated Sudanese women live in the Paddington area, the study recommended that a specialized clinic has to be established at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington since its health policy does not presently cater for FGM/FC complications. As great numbers of genitally mutilated women from different countries have immigrated to the UK, it was also recommended that FGM/FC health and other complications are to be included in the curricula of educational institutes at which health providers are trained. In addition, ad hoc training sessions on FGM/FC complications should be offered to all health providers at all levels in the United Kingdom.

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Published

2003-01-01

Issue

Feminist Knowledge Network Special Issue 1 -- International Feminist Perspectives: Women and Violence

Section

Original Research

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