Attitudes and Experiences Surrounding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: A Scoping Review

Abstract

In recent decades, growing migration to the United States from countries where female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is widely practiced has caused a rise in the number of women and girls in the United States who could have potentially experienced FGM/C. A scoping review was conducted to identify research and gaps in literature about FGM/C–related attitudes and experiences among individuals from FGM/C–practicing countries living in the United States. This scoping review identified 40 articles meeting inclusion criteria. The findings of this review suggest that both women and men from FGM/C–practicing countries living in the United States generally oppose FGM/C, and that women with FGM/C have significant physical and mental health needs and have found US healthcare providers to lack understanding of FGM/C. Future research can improve measurement of FGM/C by applying a health equity lens and taking into account the sociocultural influences on FGM/C–related attitudes and experiences.

UK policy response to female genital mutilation needs urgent rethink

“…Qualitative research conducted in Europe shows that communities largely abandon the practice on migration 1819. Part of this change in attitudes has been linked to the effect of new societal norms, education, and a generational shift, with young people leading abandonment campaigns in their new countries 62021. Some people hold negative attitudes to FGM/C before migration 621.…”