400 women with FGM seen in Midlands hospitals in 6 months

Posters on the subject are on walls in health centres Credit: ITV News Central

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.

The Statistics obtained by ITV News Central were from:

  • 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.

Adama believes more education and awareness is needed to help prevent the next generation of girls from being cut.