Urgent: Demand for FGM Treatment in Ireland Surges 338%

UPDATE: Ireland is witnessing an alarming 338% surge in demand for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) treatment, highlighting a critical healthcare crisis for vulnerable women. Reports reveal that the only FGM clinic in the country is overwhelmed, struggling to meet the urgent needs of survivors like Ayan, a Somalian asylum seeker who has faced unimaginable suffering due to this brutal practice.

Ayan, now 23, fled Somalia in search of safety, only to confront a daunting 12-month wait for specialist medical care essential for her recovery. “The main reason why I am an immigrant in this country is so I can be safe,” Ayan expressed, emphasizing her hope for healing despite the long wait.

The Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA), which operates the clinic in Dublin, reported a shocking rise in referrals, with migrant support groups sending up to eight women a month for treatment. IFPA Chief Executive Niall Behan stated that the current service provisions are “neither fair to clients nor sustainable,” urging for a national network of state-funded FGM treatment services to address the growing crisis.

The clinic’s capacity is being outstripped by demand. In 2021, there were only 55 treatment appointments, but by the end of 2023, that number skyrocketed to 241. The situation is dire, with additional funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE) proving insufficient to reduce wait times.

Ifrah Ahmed, a prominent Somali-Irish activist, has expressed her outrage at the state of healthcare for FGM survivors, stating, “If a refugee woman lives outside Dublin… she can only be seen by the one clinic in the whole country that specializes in FGM.” Ahmed’s advocacy played a key role in the 2012 legislation that criminalized FGM in Ireland, yet today, women are still facing significant barriers to accessing care.

Despite the HSE’s commitment to expanding services, the need for specialized FGM care remains critical. Between 2020 and 2024, 1,282 women and girls sought asylum in Ireland, citing FGM as their primary reason for protection—an increase of nearly tenfold from previous years. In just the first nine months of this year, 310 women and girls have applied for asylum based on this horrific practice.

Dr. Caitríona Henchion, medical director at IFPA, noted that “the current need outstrips the capacity of our clinic,” emphasizing that a single clinic cannot adequately serve the rising number of FGM survivors. The IFPA is calling for more healthcare providers to join the fight against FGM, stressing the importance of addressing this public health crisis.

As Ayan waits for her necessary surgery, her story highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in Ireland’s healthcare services to support FGM survivors. “The recovery will come even though I have to wait,” she remains hopeful, showcasing the resilience of those affected by this devastating practice.

The situation is evolving rapidly, and community leaders are urging immediate action to ensure that the rights and health needs of these women are met. As the demand for FGM treatment continues to rise, the call for national support and funding has never been more critical.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.