What Somali women say about giving birth in Canada

It is estimated that about 130 million women worldwide have been circumcised and that 2 million or more girls experience this procedure each year. Women with previous female genital mutilation/circumcision are immigrating, with increasing frequency, to countries where this practice is uncommon. Many health care providers in these countries lack experience in assisting women with female genital mutilation during pregnancy and birth and are usually untrained in this aspect of care. In this study, Somali women ( who customarily practise the most extensive form of female mutilation), who were resident in Ontario and who had recently given birth to a baby in Canada, were asked about their experiences in an attempt to explore the situation faced by women in Canada. A total of 432 Somali women with previous female genital mutilation who had given birth to a baby in Canada in the past 5 years were interviewed at home by a Somali interviewer. Women's comments are reported. Findings suggest that women are frequently treated in ways that are perceived to be harsh and even offensive to cultural values. Women are, however, also appreciative of the clinical care they receive. There is a need to modify knowledge about female genital mutilation as well as attitudes towards women who have experienced this practice during perinatal care. Less interventionist clinical care, and increased sensitivity for cross-cultural practices together with more respectful treatment, are needed.