Attitudes and perceptions of health care workers towards female genital cutting

Abstract

Although female genital cutting may be commonly perceived as an extreme form of oppression of women and a violation of human rights, people belonging to cultures where such modifications are commonly practiced argue that it is their right to carry on with this tradition and that it is wrong for those who disapprove of such practice, particularly those coming from foreign cultures, to attempt to stop it. This qualitative study examines the perceptions of midwives working at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta on female genital cutting. With the influx of sub-Saharan African female asylum seekers in Malta, many of whom will have undergone female genital cutting as children, the health care workers are now faced with new situations when these women go to them in labour. Four semi-structured interviews were conducted with midwives all of whom experienced at one point or another assisting circumcised women in the labour ward. The complications that circumcised women face during childbirth were highlighted in the study, however, it was alleged that this cultural practice, although not generally acceptable should be recognized on both grounds of culture and human rights. Once migrant populations coming from countries where such practice is common are being accepted into our society, the need for ongoing training for the medical staff was noted. Several recommendations are made with regard to continuing professional development of health care workers, changes in hospital procedures and mutual cultural education exchange.