FGM Medical Examination Guidance

National FGM Centre

FGM Medical Examination: Good Practice

What is this resource?

This booklet has been designed to share good practice around the medical examination required to determine whether a girl has undergone FGM or not, and facilitate conversation with parent(s)/ carer(s) and professionals.

This booklet has been designed to be used by social workers with parent(s)/carer(s) and other professionals.

How do I use this resource?

The Centre recognises that the UCLH service is a unique example of good practice and other services available nationally differ in their service provision e.g. the majority of other clinics do not offer a play therapist.

The Centre recommends that the booklet be used to:

  • Explain in detail what happens during the medical examination in FGM cases
  • Encourage a discussion around the medical examination as part of a section 47 assessment
  • Stress that although the UCLH process may be unique, the examination itself (as depicted on p 10) should be the same in all services.
Medical Examination Front Page image

Parental involvement/ Fraser competency

Parent/carer(s) can be present at all stages unless:

  • the girl is deemed Fraser competent and does not wish for her parent/ carer(s) to be present or
  • the medical examination is part of a court order and the judge bans parents/ cares from being present

Court Evidence

Professionals should bear in mind that any outcomes of the medical examination may be used as evidence in court, and the health professionals present called to give evidence in court.

Support from/ Refer a girl to UCLH

The UCLH paediatric FGM clinic can provide advice and support to other clinics. You can download their leaflet here. If you need to refer a girl, you can find the referral form here.

Support from the National FGM Centre

The Centre is able to provide advice and support to professionals working on an FGM cases. You can get in touch directly by email or over the phone. For our contact details click here.

FGM Medical Examination: Animation

What is this resource?

This animation has been developed to help prepare a girl who is due to undergo an examination. The animation follows the story of Lisa, exploring what happens at different stages and prompts for the child to ask questions.

This animation has been designed to be used by social workers with children.

How do I use this resource?

The Centre recommends that the animation be used to:

  • Explain to children what happens during the medical examination
  • Encourage the child to ask any questions and explore any worries they may have about the examination
  • Highlight that the child is in control and can request for the examination to stop.
  • Reassure the child they can have a parent/carer with them throughout, if they want.

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Health Consequences of FGM Infographic

FGM Health Infographic Image

FGM Direct Work Toolkit

Direct Work Toolkit picture of front cover.