Female Genital Mutilation in Scotland

That the Parliament condemns the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), referring to all procedures involving the partial or total removal of female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons; believes that this practice, to which an estimated over 230 million women and girls worldwide have been subjected, is a violation of the right to health and bodily integrity; is profoundly concerned by reports that 1,219 women received treatment from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde between 2019 and June 2025 as a result of having undergone FGM procedures, 57 of whom received reconstructive surgery; believes that these figures may not adequately capture the full extent of FGM in Scotland, or the total number of women and girls at risk, due to the often hidden nature of the practice; regrets that provisions under the Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Act 2020 have not yet been fully implemented, almost six years after it was passed unanimously by the Parliament; notes that the Act sought to strengthen existing laws to safeguard women and girls at risk; believes that the continued delay in implementation is unacceptable and risks eroding trust among those most in need of these protections; urges the Scottish Government to take immediate action to ensure the Act’s provisions are implemented in full by the end of the current parliamentary session at the latest; believes that the eradication of FGM requires action beyond criminalisation to address the abusive behaviours and attitudes underpinning the practice; recognises that prejudicial stereotypes surrounding victims and their communities present barriers to disclosure and support, and commends the work of community-led initiatives across Scotland that continue to support affected women and girls, raise awareness of FGM and improve the response of healthcare professionals, schools, police and other agencies.