At maternity and child health clinics

It is important that the staff at maternity and child health clinics know about the tradition of female genital mutilation and its prevention as well as receive relevant training. Preventing FGM is part of the work to prevent domestic violence and is, thus, included in the municipality's welfare plan for children and young people.

Tips for the professionals at maternity and child health clinics

• Raise the topic of FGM during the expecting mother's first visit to the clinic, during antenatal classes for expecting parents, during home visits or during the regular health examinations of the child.
• Use a culturally sensitive work approach.
• Tell your client about the health harms resulting from FGM. 
• If your client has undergone a radical form of FGM, inform her or her parents or guardians about the possibility of a deinfibulation and reconstructive surgery. 
• Provide support for the change in the body image and sexuality.
• Find out how the expecting parents feel about the tradition of FGM.
• Explain that FGM is prohibited by the Criminal Code of Finland.
• Remind your client that you have an obligation to submit a child protection notification and to notify the police if there is any suspicion of FGM.
• Explain that all children are entitled to physical integrity, health and life.
• Make a record of all conversations with your clients and all adopted procedures.