RCN backs female genital mutilation study

September 1, 2009 By Steve Ford The Royal College of Nursing has given its backing to a government initiative to stamp out female genital mutilation. The government last week launched a study aiming to increase knowledge about women and girls affected by female genital mutilation in England. Staff working in the fields of maternity, obstetrics, gynaecology, and sexual health are being asked to complete a survey on the issue. The RCN has called on its members working in relevant fields to participate in the research. RCN women’s health adviser Diane Morris said the survey was likely to identify what further staff training and development may be required around the issue of women’s health. She said: “As we live in a culturally diverse country this piece of research is an important tool to examine how the education of nurses and midwives can be developed to deal with issues such as female genital mutilation. “It is likely to become more common for midwives and nurses to have to deal with the chronic problems that occur because of this practice,” he added.