Female genital mutilation/cutting: overcoming barriers to talking to patients and families in primary care

An estimated 137,000 women and girls in the UK have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and around 60,000 girls under the age of 15 years are at risk. FGM/C is a highly sensitive and complex subject, and primary care nurses may find it challenging to talk about it with patients and families, which in turn may result in missed opportunities to safeguard and support girls and women. Barriers that can make it challenging for nurses to discuss FGM/C with patients and families include embarrassment, fear of causing offence or appearing culturally insensitive, fear of broaching a subject associated with stigma and trauma, lack of knowledge and confidence, and one’s own beliefs and cultural background. This article describes some of the key principles underpinning optimal communication about FGM/C to help primary care nurses develop confidence in discussing it with patients and families.