Considerations for collecting and documenting FGM/C data by health care providers

Data on FGM/C are rarely collected in health facilities (Dirisu et al., 2020; Johansen et al., 2018; Kimani and Okondo, 2020), yet, routine collection of facility-based data on FGM/C status through other health-seeking visits (e.g., during antenatal care) is not only considered good medical practice (WHO, 2018), but can be an important source of data. Clinical data on FGM/C can also inform efforts to manage complications (Johansen et al., 2018). As illustrated in Figure 1, clinical exams provide an opportunity to identify women and girls who have undergone FGM/C, which is an important step in aiding the prevention of chronic complications that can be difficult and expensive to manage later in life. Clinical exams also make it possible to refer those with FGM/C-related complications for specialised treatment. The information gathered during clinical exams may be more reliable as it enables the examiner to observe and confirm whether the woman has been cut or not, and document more detailed information about the different types of FGM/C. It may also reduce errors related to misreporting and underreporting that is common when women are asked to report on their experience with FGM/C. Clinical visits also present an opportunity to discuss prevention of the practice. In instances where women seeking asylum due to FGM/C are required to prove their status, physical exams can provide supporting evidence.