Healthcare Provision for Refugees and Immigrant Women with FGM Living in Australia

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) will continue as long as there is gender inequality, and women are vulnerable by remaining economically dependent on marriage. This very traumatic practice can cause lifelong and irreversible physical, psychological, and sexual complications. Education is the key for women to earn their own living, for empowerment and for being able to have a voice, so that they can demand and bring about change. Migration and education are commanding catalysts in the abandonment of FGM, and Australia can play a leading role in protection of these children and women. Prevalence of women who gave birth at a metropolitan hospital in Australia that had expertise in FGM management, was 2–3%. While women with FGM generally have worse obstetric outcomes, at this hospital obstetric outcomes were similar for the women without FGM, suggesting the importance of high-quality healthcare and expertise in FGM management. Midwives and doctors need formalised training in FGM care; and women with FGM need adequate and appropriate maternity care. Australia needs a national network of experts to develop, implement and evaluate national policy and guidelines on healthcare provision, protection for girls, and prevention of FGM. This can be achieved with global collaboration on research, training and prevention programs.