Abstract

GOMES, Ana Margarida Magalhães; MARQUES, Ana Rute Ferreira; REVILLA, Gema Ponce  and  RAPOSO, Ana Maria Marques. Female genital mutilation: an ancient practice, a current problem. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2018, vol.34, n.6, pp.420-424. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v34i6.12150.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises every procedure that includes removal or injury to the external genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is estimated to affect at least 200 million girls and women in 30 countries, mostly in Africa. In Portugal, it is especially relevant because of the existence of several immigrant communities from countries where this practice is common. It is a painful and traumatic experience, which results in serious health consequences. In legal terms, it is a public crime even if practiced outside of the country. This brief review brings attention to the management of the cases of FGM, which should be holistic and multidisciplinary, and articulated with other entities. It is important to be alert and informed to the identification and reporting of these cases, as well as to the prevention of these situations in generations to come. The holistic approach, the longitudinal monitoring, and the follow-up of the sociocultural and familiar context, characteristics inherent to family medicine, reinforce the significant role of the family doctor in these cases.

Keywords : Female genital mutilation; Women’s health.

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