Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation
In Finland, all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM) are criminal offenses punishable by law, as defined in Chapter 21, Sections 6b and 6c of the Criminal Code (FGM and the preparation of FGM, respectively).
Professionals and authorities are legally required to report to child welfare services and the police if they suspect that a child living in Finland has been subjected to FGM or is at risk of it. This obligation also applies if the procedure was carried out abroad, as long as the victim resides in Finland.
In addition, anyone may file a child welfare notification or report to the police under the Child Welfare Act, even if they are not legally bound to do so. For further information see: Prevention of female genital mutilation (FGM) - THL(external link)
The Anti-FGM Network: Preventing FGM and Helping Victims
Our Wellbeing Services County has established an anti-FGM network dedicated to preventing female genital mutilation and helping victims.
The network organized a remote training session on the topic on February 6, 2025. In the training, expert speeches were given by experts with experience in preventing FGM and initiating conversations about the issue.
Watch the recording on YouTube(external link)
Presentations of the event as PDF files (in Finnish)(external link)
Reporting FGM or Suspected Risk
If you suspect a girl or woman is at risk of undergoing FGM, contact Child Welfare Services immediately. If FGM has already occurred, contact the police(external link)immediately. If you are a victim of FGM, you will find contact details for support services in the brochure links provided below.
Background: What is FGM?
Female genital mutilation (“female circumcision”; FGM) is a cultural practice with origins dating back thousands of years. It is still practiced in parts of Africa (e.g., Somalia, Egypt), the Middle East (e.g., Iraq, Kurdish regions), and Asia (e.g., Indonesia, Thailand). With international migration, FGM is also present in Finland.
FGM refers to any non-medical procedure involving the cutting or removal of some or all of the vulva, or other injury to the female genital organs. Girls typically undergo FGM between ages 0–15, most commonly between ages 4–10. However, the age can vary significantly depending on the country, region, and ethnic group. FGM causes immediate and long-term health complications, psychosocial problems, and difficulties related to childbirth.
Additional resources on FGM
For more information about the anti-FGM network:
Kati Wilska-Seemer, Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, kati.wilska-seemer@luvn.fi