Title	Female Genital Mutilation and Health Care
Author	Published by the Women's Health Bureau, Health Canada © Fall 2000
Synopsis	Current Situation & Legal Status Recommendations to Improve the Health Care of Affected Women
Description	FGM has a number of important adverse health effects including risks of infection and excessive bleeding (often performed when a girl is pre-pubertal). Subsequently there can be chronic problems with urination, menstruation, sexual relations, birth control, infertility, as well as difficulties with pregnancy and childbirth. Although many women adapt to this practice, others are traumatized by it. Because of its profound effect on health, a number of medical organizations have developed policy statements condemning this practice. In September 1999, representatives from a number of national organizations interested in the issue of female genital mutilation (FGM), met with members of the Federal Interdepartmental Working Group for a National Consultation. The results of the key informant research was discussed and further recommendations were made. Recommendations from both the key informants and the National Consultation can be found in Section 6 of this document.
Links (if any)	FGM report    (Click here if this link doesn't work)