BASW position statement: Female genital mutilation

BASW is the Professional Association for Social Workers in the United Kingdom. We seek to promote best practice in social work and to secure the well-being of social workers. BASW is frequently asked to explain the position of the social work profession on current issues. These position statements seek to explain positions that we express on issues that arise frequently. They comprise statements in bold and commentary in italics. The commentary seeks to reflect our Code of Ethics, the views of our members expressed through our democratic structures, and our understanding of social work internationally as a practice-based profession and an academic discipline.
This position statement is about Female Genital Mutilation. It explores the nature of the practice, the role of social work in relation to the practice, and ethical issues that may arise when seeking to practice in a non-discriminatory way.