While female genital mutilation (FGM) has been illegal in the UK since 1985, research estimated that in 2015 there were over 100 000 women and girls resident in the UK subjected to FGM. This article discusses the obligation of nurses and midwives to report FGM in the UK and suggests some methods by which practitioners can balance respect for patients' cultural beliefs with safeguarding.

Yusuf Malik - Foundation doctor, The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Andrew Rowland - Honorary Professor (Paediatrics) and Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine, The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Salford

Felicity Gerry - Barrister, Carmelite Chambers, London, and Green's List, Melbourne; and Professor of Legal Practice, Deakin University

Fiona MacVane Phipps - Senior Research Fellow (Midwifery), University of Salford