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Female genital mutilation — DFSRH MCQ

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HardLawFemale genital mutilationDFSRH

A 17-year-and-11-month-old attends a contraception clinic in England. During a confidential consultation, she tells the doctor that she was “cut” abroad when she was 8 years old. She has capacity and asks the doctor not to disclose this information. Her record contains a police reference confirming that a teacher reported the same act when she was 9; there is no evidence that a doctor has previously made a report. She reports no current threats, planned travel or younger girls at risk, and assessment identifies no risk to life or likelihood of serious immediate harm. A genital examination is not clinically indicated. Which is the most appropriate action under the female genital mutilation mandatory reporting duty?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Explain the statutory duty, personally report to the police through a non-emergency route as soon as possible, and follow local safeguarding procedures

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D

This is a known case because the girl herself has directly disclosed FGM to a regulated healthcare professional while under 18. Her age when she makes the disclosure is decisive; neither the historic timing of the FGM nor her imminent eighteenth birthday removes the duty. The report is required despite her competent refusal because the statutory obligation overrides confidentiality. The duty is personal and cannot be transferred to the safeguarding lead. The exception for an existing report applies when another individual from the clinician’s own profession has already reported the same act. A teacher’s report therefore does not discharge this doctor’s duty. Reports should be made as soon as possible—best practice is by the close of the next working day, with one month being the maximum exceptional timeframe—and wider safeguarding procedures remain applicable. A is incorrect because the prior reporter was a teacher rather than another doctor. C improperly delegates the clinician’s personal statutory duty, although safeguarding advice may be sought. D is incorrect because she is under 18 at disclosure; waiting would not extinguish an already-triggered duty. E is incorrect because 999 is reserved for risk to life or likely serious immediate harm, neither of which is present. No genital examination is required merely to confirm a direct disclosure.

Reference: Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information (Updated 22 January 2020) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilation-procedural-information/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilation-procedural-information-accessible-version Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information, sections 2.1 and 2.2 (Updated 22 January 2020) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilation-procedural-information/mandatory-reporting-of-female-genital-mutilation-procedural-information-accessible-version Multi-agency statutory guidance on female genital mutilation (Updated 30 July 2020) — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-statutory-guidance-on-female-genital-mutilation/multi-agency-statutory-guidance-on-female-genital-mutilation-accessible-version