Attitudes and Experiences Surrounding Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: A Scoping Review

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn recent decades, growing migration to the United States from countries where female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is widely practiced has caused a rise in the number of women and girls in the United States who could have potentially experienced FGM/C. A scoping review was conducted to identify research and gaps in literature about FGM/C–related attitudes and experiences among individuals from FGM/C–practicing countries living in the United States. This scoping review identified 40 articles meeting inclusion criteria. The findings of this review suggest that both women and men from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States generally oppose FGM/C, and that women with FGM/C have significant physical and mental health needs and have found US healthcare providers to lack understanding of FGM/C. Future research can improve measurement of FGM/C by applying a health equity lens and taking into account the sociocultural influences on FGM/C–related attitudes and experiences.