Census-Based Estimates of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Foreign-born Women and Girls in Europe.

Abstract

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a significant global public health and human rights concern that has become increasingly relevant in Europe due to sustained migration from practicing countries. However, the absence of harmonized, age-specific data has limited up-to-date comparative estimates of FGM/C prevalence among migrant populations. We present updated estimates of the number of foreign-born women and girls aged 10 years and above residing in the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland (EU+) as of January 1st, 2021, who are expected to have undergone FGM/C. Using population and census data combined with age-specific prevalence rates from national household surveys and an enhanced indirect estimation approach that accounts for cohort effects and migrant selectivity, we estimate that approximately 610,000 (40.6 percent) of the 1.5 million women and girls aged 10 years and above born in FGM/C-practicing countries and residing in the EU+ area have experienced FGM/C. Prevalence increases markedly with age, reflecting declining practice among younger cohorts, and varies substantially across destination countries depending on migrant composition. These findings provide a comprehensive benchmark for monitoring FGM/C in migration contexts and for informing evidence-based policies, prevention strategies, and service provision for affected women, while supporting efforts to prevent intergenerational transmission of the practice.