Female genital mutilation/cutting in women delivering in France: An observational national study.

Abstract

Objective: International migration from source countries has meant that clinicians in high income countries, that is, receiving countries, are increasingly caring for affected women affected by female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of FGM/C among women at childbirth, and its association with pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: This was an observational study using data from a cross-sectional population-based study from the French National Perinatal Survey of 2021 (ENP) conducted in all maternity units in mainland France and including all women delivering a live birth during 1 week in March 2021 (N = 10 928). We estimated the FGM/C prevalence using (i) the diagnosed cases and (ii) the indirect prevalence estimated by UNICEF in each source country. We compared population characteristics and perinatal outcomes between women diagnosed with FGM/C and two groups: (i) women originating in source countries and diagnosed as without FGM/C and (ii) all women without diagnosis of FGM/C whatever the country of birth.

Results: Diagnosed prevalence of FGM/C was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.78-1.14] and the indirect computed estimation prevalence was estimated at 1.53% (95% CI: 1.31-1.77) in 113 and 183 women, respectively. Labor and delivery outcomes were globally similar in women with FGM/C and the other two groups. Only episiotomy was more frequently performed in women with FGM/C than in the other two groups.

Conclusion: In receiving countries, obstetric outcomes of women with FGM/C can be similar to those of other women, which does not preclude need of further research and training to provide the most appropriate care, including enhanced attention to diagnosis.