Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
Commission urgent research into UK FGM prevalence and ensure NHS records vital data consistently.
Recommendation
The Government should immediately commission research into the number of women with FGM in the UK, including on prevalence within local areas. It must make this data accessible so that local authorities and health providers can provide their services accordingly. The NHS should ensure that data on the country of birth and the country where FGM was undertaken for individuals is consistently recorded and published. 43 This will help build a picture of how many women and girls born in the UK have undergone FGM and how many have undergone FGM in the UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 50) Preventing FGM
Government Response Summary
The government has initiated a study to assess the viability of a national prevalence estimate for FGM and is working to complete it. The NHS already collects and publishes data on FGM, including country of birth, through its Enhanced Dataset, which is currently undergoing amendments to improve data quality.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Improving the Government’s understanding of the numbers of people affected by FGM is vital to help us to better ensure there is adequate support available. In August 2025, the Home Office announced six measures to tackle ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA). This included conducting a study to test the viability of producing a national prevalence estimate for forced marriage and FGM. We are working with Verian to complete this and work is already underway. DHSC commissions NHS England to deliver the FGM Enhanced Dataset which collates data collected by healthcare providers in England where FGM was identified or a procedure for FGM was undertaken. The anonymised data shows the extent of FGM identified by the NHS across England and has informed the establishment of National FGM Support Clinics in locations with the highest need. The dataset includes information on the country of birth and the country where FGM was undertaken. Data are published quarterly, and a report is published annually. Following a review of the dataset, including a public consultation and focus groups with women affected by FGM, work is now underway to make amendments to the dataset to improve data quality and completeness. These changes will support national and local policy and service planning.