Female Genital Mutilation: A study of health services and legislation in some countries of the European Union

The research described in this dissertation explored the before-mentioned issues at legislative and health care level. The studies showed that, despite the existence of specialised health care services and guidelines, the lack of knowledge about FGM and deficiencies in care delivery remain. Moreover, recent developments show that other priorities need to be addressed: a lack of clarity about reinfibulation, medicalisation, cosmetic vulvar and vaginal surgery, and performing less severe cuts. The research on the legislation and the study among the Flemish gynaecologists clearly showed that specific laws do not provide any guidance on these issues. Criminal laws on FGM, where the woman or girl’s consent does not play a role – as in Belgium – might equally challenge the implementation of the law when it comes to vaginal and vulvar cosmetic surgery.