[Genital mutilation of children is an offence. Do health services have a sufficient knowledge to see the problem?]

Abstract

There are contradicting opinions whether female genital cutting (FGC) takes place in Sweden. The results from several studies indicate, however, that FGC is practiced on girls residing in Sweden. Almost no research has been done on girls on how they are affected by FGC. Thus there is no scientifically based knowledge on signs and symptoms in girls related to the practice, which can lead to cases passing unnoticed. Many health professionals feel they have poor knowledge about FGC. It is important to teach about FGC at medical and nursing schools and to make guidelines based on paediatric aspects of FGC.