The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued urgent new recommendations aimed at stopping the dangerous trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and ensuring robust support for women and girls who have undergone the practice, according to a recent release. This latest guidance, announced on April 28, 2025, is seen as a pivotal step in the global fight to eradicate FGM, a deeply harmful practice affecting millions worldwide.
FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, poses severe health risks and violates fundamental human rights. In response to mounting evidence that a growing share of FGM procedures are now performed by healthcare professionals—a process known as “medicalization”—the WHO is calling for stricter measures to discourage this troubling shift while intensifying care for survivors.
The issue is of particular relevance to Thailand, where migration, cultural exchange, and international commitments intersect. The Ministry of Public Health has previously reported isolated incidents involving girls from migrant communities, highlighting the importance of vigilance and education locally even if the practice is not widespread within the majority Thai population.
According to WHO statistics, more than 200 million women and girls alive today have experienced FGM, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. However, recent data show an increase in cases performed by doctors, nurses, and midwives rather than traditional practitioners. Proponents of medicalization often claim it reduces immediate health risks, but health experts stress that any form of FGM is dangerous and unethical. As emphasized by the WHO, “No medical justification exists for FGM – it is a violation of girls’ and women’s rights to health, security, and physical integrity, as well as their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.”
In its newly released policy guidance, the WHO categorically rejects the involvement of health professionals in performing FGM under any circumstances. Instead, it urges governments to enforce bans, strengthen legal repercussions for practitioners, and foster community education campaigns that dispel myths about supposed medical “safety” of the practice. The recommendations also include comprehensive guidance for the medical management of health complications caused by FGM, and psychological support for survivors—services often lacking, especially in low-resource settings and among marginalized populations.
Thai officials engaged with global women’s rights initiatives have supported the move, noting that while FGM is not culturally rooted in Thailand’s Buddhist-majority context, it can— and does— affect certain Muslim or migrant populations. “We must ensure our health system is prepared both to prevent the practice and care for girls who may have undergone it elsewhere,” stated a Public Health Ministry spokesperson, referencing Thailand’s obligations as a signatory to international human rights conventions. The spokesperson underlined the need for confidential and sensitive support, outreach to vulnerable communities, and healthcare worker training in recognizing and treating FGM-related injuries.
The WHO also called for governments to increase funding for survivor support services, integrate FGM prevention into medical education, and collaborate with religious and community leaders to challenge deeply embedded social norms. It cited evidence that community-based interventions—combined with strong legal frameworks and government backing— are most effective in reducing FGM rates.
Thailand’s progressive sex education policies and its participation in international health networks provide a platform for advocating against FGM in the region. Recent efforts include awareness campaigns by nongovernmental organisations along border provinces, where cross-border migration can sometimes introduce the practice. Despite these rare occurrences, public health authorities stress that both prevention and care are pressing priorities.
Globally, the persistence and evolution of FGM—shifting from traditional to medical settings—reflect the complex cultural, social, and economic factors driving the practice. The new WHO guidelines come amid growing calls for international solidarity to protect girls’ rights everywhere, echoing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals target of eliminating all forms of gender-based violence by 2030.
Looking forward, experts expect more robust collaboration between public health agencies, civil society groups, and affected communities to implement these new recommendations. For Thailand, there is an opportunity to lead regional dialogues on gender rights, strengthen protections in at-risk communities, and ensure healthcare workers are empowered to recognize and support FGM survivors compassionately.
For Thai readers, the key takeaways are clear: be aware of the issue’s existence—even if not prevalent within Thai society—especially in the context of a globalized world; support educational and legal measures aimed at prevention; and encourage greater empathy and support for anyone seeking medical or psychological help due to FGM. Health professionals should familiarize themselves with the new WHO guidelines, available here, and advocate for a health system that upholds the dignity and rights of all women and girls.