FGM reconstruction surgery UK: Why women in the UK are travelling abroad for FGM reconstruction surgery

By Aneeta Prem MBE JP, Founder of Freedom Charity

FGM reconstruction surgery UK survivors may seek, is still not offered on the NHS. As a result, many women travel abroad and pay privately for a procedure that could help ease pain, restore confidence and support healing. Because this treatment is unavailable here, survivors face an avoidable gap in care that raises serious questions about equality, safety and human rights.

A recent  excellent report by Sky News health correspondent Ashish Joshi highlighted the experiences of UK women forced to travel to Switzerland. Although his coverage brought important visibility, the wider reality deserves careful explanation. This article sets out the evidence, the policy barriers and the urgent action needed.

The scale of FGM in the UK

FGM is one of the most severe forms of harm inflicted on girls. The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 230 million women and girls live with its impact worldwide. In England and Wales, research by City, University of London and Equality Now identified an estimated 137,000 survivors. In addition, NHS Digital has recorded more than 87,000 attendances for FGM-related care since national reporting began.

These numbers only capture those who seek help. Many women never disclose the violence they experienced, often due to fear, stigma or trauma. Therefore the true level of need is higher than official data suggests.

What reconstruction surgery aims to achieve

FGM reconstruction typically involves clitoral reconstruction. Surgeons aim to reduce pain, release remaining tissue, improve sensation and restore natural anatomy. While outcomes vary, many women describe meaningful improvements to their physical comfort, relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Importantly, reconstruction does not erase trauma. Even so, for many it offers a sense of control and dignity. Because choice is central to trauma-informed care, survivors should have access to full information and safe options.

Why the NHS does not currently offer FGM reconstruction surgery UK

Although NHS FGM clinics provide safeguarding, deinfibulation, maternity care and psychological support, they do not offer reconstruction. Several factors explain this position.

1. Limited long-term evidence

RCOG guidance notes that current studies are too small and too short-term to support reconstruction as routine NHS care. Reviews funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research highlight the need for stronger long-term data. Since techniques differ between surgeons and centres, comparing outcomes is difficult.

2. Safety considerations

Some women experience positive outcomes. However, possible complications include bleeding, infection, pain or emotional distress. Because reconstruction is intimate and complex, clinicians emphasise the need for safe protocols, specialist training and careful follow-up.

3. Capacity and commissioning pressures

Introducing reconstruction would require investment in trained teams, theatre sessions and multidisciplinary support. Given the current pressures facing the NHS, commissioning such a service has not yet been prioritised.

4. Communication barriers within services

Many healthcare staff feel unsure how to discuss sexual function after FGM. Consequently, survivors often receive inconsistent or incomplete advice. Better communication would support informed decisions.

Why survivors are travelling abroad

Some European centres, including Geneva University Hospitals, provide FGM reconstruction within established specialist services. Swiss residents can access treatment through compulsory health insurance. However, UK survivors must usually pay privately.

Comparable intimate surgery in Switzerland typically costs 3,000–5,000 Swiss francs, excluding travel and recovery costs. Consequently, many women face significant financial strain.

Nevertheless, women still travel because they live with daily pain, numbness, or long-standing loss of function. Their motivation comes from a desire for relief, dignity and the possibility of regaining something taken from them as children.

The pressures women face when travelling

Travelling for surgery creates new risks and challenges. For example:

• Financial pressure from private medical fees and travel

• Interrupted continuity of care when UK clinicians did not perform the procedure

• Emotional strain, because travel may trigger traumatic memories

• Community pressure, especially where disclosure is difficult

These challenges sit on top of the original trauma of FGM.

A human rights and equality issue

The UK has strong laws against FGM and a duty to protect survivors. Prevention work is vital, and many NHS practitioners provide excellent support. However, when reconstruction is unavailable, a new form of inequality emerges. Women with savings or supportive networks can seek treatment abroad. Women without those resources cannot.

This divide demands national attention.

“FGM is a deep violation of a girl’s body and her trust. No survivor should need to raise thousands of pounds or travel overseas to explore options for healing. If we want to end FGM, we must also support survivors to rebuild their lives safely and fairly.” Aneeta Prem MBE 

What the UK needs to do next

To build a fair and evidence-based approach to FGM reconstruction surgery UK, the following steps are essential.

1. Fund national research programmes

The UK should develop controlled trials in specialist centres. Research must assess surgical outcomes, safety, long-term effects and psychological impacts. Survivors should help shape this work.

2. Update clinical guidance regularly

Professional bodies should review new global evidence and update guidance each year to reflect current practice.

3. Improve access to balanced information

Every woman attending an NHS FGM clinic should receive clear, accurate and sensitive information about reconstruction, including potential benefits and risks.

4. Plan for fair access to treatment

If research supports reconstruction, the NHS must ensure safe, equitable access so survivors are not dependent on private funds.

5. Strengthen prevention and education work

Reconstruction must never be seen as a remedy for FGM. Instead, prevention and education remain vital. Freedom Charity’s school programmes and our books But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers, continue to help protect children across the UK.

Freedom Charity’s position

Freedom Charity works daily with survivors seeking clarity, safety and compassionate support. Some want counselling, others need medical care, and many simply want someone to listen. Every survivor deserves options rooted in evidence and dignity.

The UK has made progress in preventing FGM. Now we must match that progress by strengthening support for survivors.

Healing should never depend on a passport or a bank balance.

Freedom Charity’s commitment

Freedom Charity works tirelessly to prevent FGM, safeguard children and support survivors. Our work includes school education, community training, helpline support and donating safeguarding books such as Cut Flowers and But It’s Not Fair.

But prevention alone is not enough. Women who were harmed as children must not face barriers to healing as adults.

You can learn more about our mission at:
https://www.freedomcharity.org.uk