Shocking statistics obtained by ITV News Central reveal that more than 400 women in the Midlands have been seen in hospitals with FGM in the last six months – including four children.
It is only since April that hospitals have been required to record cases of FGM after the Government brought in new measures.
The statistics from four health trusts across the Midlands reveal a snap-shot of the extent of FGM. But as many other hospitals failed to give ITV Central their statistics, health experts believe the figure is far higher.
Alison Byrne, a specialist FGM Midwife at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, says she sees six to seven women a week.
There’s always been uncertainty about the amount of women who are presenting in hospitals and I think people will be surprised and shocked to see the amount of women who have suffered this. Hopefully the Government will be able to look and see the amount of women who have gone through this ordeal and do something about it.
– Alison Byrne, specialist FGM Midwife
- Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust
- The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
- Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
They revealed 454 women had presented to hospitals with FGM in the last six months – including four girls under the age of 16.
FGM survivor Adama Jabbi, who lives in Birmingham said she nearly died after she was given the procedure in The Gambia as a child.
They will grab you, blindfold you and two elders will hold you and they will take your legs apart and someone will hold you hands and cover your mouth so they don’t hear you scream.
It was so painful and there was no anaesthetic. I nearly died because the bleeding was so much I collapsed. I was eight but I can remember everything even now.
– Adama Jabbi, FGM survivor