Quick read
Key points
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Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in Ireland and internationally recognised as a violation of human rights, with significant, lasting physical and psychological health consequences for those affected.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Contact your GP, who can refer you to specialist FGM support services
01 · Know
What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is illegal in Ireland and internationally recognised as a violation of human rights, with significant, lasting physical and psychological health consequences for those affected.
Health services in Ireland provide specialist, confidential, and culturally sensitive care for anyone affected by FGM, whether it happened in childhood or more recently, including medical care, psychological support, and information about legal protections, particularly for protecting children at risk.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Specialist support services exist and are confidential
Specialist services in Ireland provide confidential medical and psychological support for women and girls affected by FGM, regardless of when or where it happened, without judgement.
03 · Act
How to Access Support
- 1Contact your GP, who can refer you to specialist FGM support services
- 2Specialist maternity services provide tailored care for pregnant women affected by FGM
- 3If you're concerned a child is at risk of FGM, contact Tusla (Child and Family Agency) or the Gardaí without delay
- 4Confidential psychological support is available for anyone affected, at any stage of life
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Support Is Available Without Judgement, Whenever You're Ready
Whether you're seeking physical health care, psychological support, or information to protect a child, confidential, non-judgemental services are available whenever you feel ready to reach out.
- 1Contact your GP for a confidential conversation.They can arrange referral to specialist services offering appropriate medical and psychological care.
- 2Access specialist maternity care if pregnant.Specific care pathways exist to support safe pregnancy and birth for women affected by FGM.
- 3Seek psychological support if helpful.This can address the emotional impact, at any point after the experience.
- 4Report concerns about a child at risk immediately.Contact Tusla or the Gardaí without delay if you believe a child may be at risk of FGM.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Female genital mutilation (FGM) ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
FGM is illegal in Ireland, and specialist, confidential support services exist for anyone affected, providing both medical and psychological care.
If you're concerned a child is at risk, contact Tusla or the Gardaí without delay — this is a child protection priority.