Female Genital Mutilation

The Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Enhanced Dataset (SCCI 2026) supports the Department of Health and Social Care’s FGM Prevention Programme by presenting a picture of the prevalence of FGM identified by the NHS in England. 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985, with the law being strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls travelling from the UK and undergoing FGM abroad.

Data is collected by healthcare providers in England, including acute hospitals, mental health services and GP practices.

The content of quarterly publications from July to September 2024 onwards has changed. The publication outputs will include a dashboard and CSV file. Previously, the publication outputs also included a quarterly written report and Excel tables. The publication format was changed in response to the Health and social care statistical outputs consultation.

The Annual Reports are unchanged and include a written report and Excel tables.  

Proposals to change the FGM Enhanced Dataset (closed April 2024)

We consulted about changes to the FGM Enhanced Dataset to ensure that it is still fit for purpose, the key information is provided in a least burdensome and sensitive manner and improve the completeness and quality of the data.

The results of this consultation are now being considered.