‘Dementia link to sudden low blood pressure and dizziness’
October 13, 2024
Every head teacher in Scotland is to be asked to train staff and educate parents about female genital mutilation (FGM).
Campaigners have described the illegal practice as “torture” and a “form of child abuse”.
Mr Russell said education was a key part of eradicating FGM.
The Scottish Parliament last week heard that 3,000 girls in Scotland were at risk.
FGM takes different forms but traditionally involves the full or partial removal of young girls’ genitals for non-medical reasons.
The cutting is carried out for a number of reasons but in many areas girls are cut to improve their marriage prospects.
The practice is most common in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa, in some countries in Asia and the Middle East.
It has long been associated with countries such as Egypt, Somalia and Sierra Leone.
However, a recent BBC investigation revealed concerns that young girls were being brought to Scotland to undergo FGM because the country was seen as a “soft touch”.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
About 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of FGM.
Procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating. It can later lead to cysts, infections and infertility, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.
The practice is most common in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa, in some countries in Asia and the Middle East
According to the World Health Organisation, more than 18% of all FGM is performed by health care providers, a trend which is increasing
Agencies have claimed that families from England and Europe had travelled to Scotland to have their daughters cut.
They also said girls living in Glasgow and Edinburgh had undergone FGM in Scotland and the problem was increasing.
Equalities Minister Shona Robison said anyone who was aware of FGM had a duty report it.
She said those who had aided or carried out the procedure, either in Scotland or abroad, faced up to 14 years imprisonment.
It is estimated about 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of FGM.
From April, all NHS hospitals in the UK will be able to record if a patient has undergone FGM or if there is a family history of it.
So far, no-one in the UK has been prosecuted for carrying out FGM.
Source BBC News