3,000 Scots at risk of genital circumcision
HEALTH workers are to spearhead a campaign to end female genital mutilation (FGM), with ministers warning that 3,000 women in Scotland are at risk.
Ministers say the agonising procedure is a serious violation of the human rights of women and girls, a form of physical and child abuse under the guise of culture and religion.
It has been unlawful in Scotland since 1985, and since 2005 the offence of carrying out these procedures here or abroad has carried a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
As part of a new strategy to protect women from violence, the government says midwives and other health professionals have an important role to play to help those born in 29 countries where FGM is reported to be a traditional practice.
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