Female Genital Mutilation A study of health services and legislation in some countries of the European Union (2008)
This study is a Exploratory research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Els Leye
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: The overall aim of this dissertation is to assess the responses at legislative and health care level to FGM in some countries of the EU.
Study Population: gynaecologists,implementation of laws in
five EU countries
Findings: The research showed that both criminal and child protection laws are being implemented in a number of EU countries. An increasing number of EU countries have developed specific criminal law provisions to prohibit FGM. Specific criminal laws have not resulted in more prosecutions than general criminal laws,and have proven to be incomplete when addressing emerging issues such as symbolic incisions,cosmetic vaginal surgeries and reinfibulation,leaving the professionals who perform these actions with a lack of clarity on how to proceed. A number of factors hinder an effective implementation of both criminal and child protection laws,in particular with regard to case-reporting,finding evidence and protecting girls at risk. This study demonstrated that an effective implementation of laws with regard to FGM is closely linked to the knowledge and attitudes of professionals regarding population groups where FGM is common,the practice of FGM itself,and the different types as well as knowledge of the laws and child protection procedures to follow if a girl is at risk. The study contended that current legislation needs a clear strategic plan for implementation mechanisms.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Western Europe,Southern Europe,Northern Europe
Country(ies):Belgium,France,Spain,Sweden,United Kingdom