The World Health Organization (WHO) has released groundbreaking new recommendations to curb the growing trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and strengthen care for survivors, a move hailed by global health experts as an essential step toward eliminating this harmful practice worldwide. This updated guidance is particularly relevant as rising evidence suggests that, despite global efforts to end FGM, a concerning number of procedures are being performed by healthcare professionals—a development with complex health, legal, and ethical implications.
Female genital mutilation refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. According to WHO estimates, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM, and millions more are at risk each year, especially in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Disturbingly, recent studies have shown a surge in “medicalized” FGM, where doctors, nurses, or midwives perform the procedure. Some communities may perceive this as a safer alternative, but global health authorities and women’s rights advocates agree there is no harmless form of FGM, and medicalization only perpetuates a practice rooted in gender inequality and violence against women (WHO).
The new WHO guidelines underscore the organization’s unwavering stance that FGM, whether performed by traditional practitioners or licensed health professionals, violates the rights of girls and women and has no health benefits—only serious health consequences. Short-term risks include excessive bleeding, severe pain and infections, while long-term consequences can range from chronic infections, complications in childbirth, sexual dysfunction, and lasting psychological trauma. WHO’s updated policy also focuses on improved training for healthcare workers, so they are equipped to both resist pressure to perform FGM and to support the physical and mental health of every survivor.
Experts warn that medicalization does not make FGM safer—it only lends the practice false legitimacy. According to a reproductive health expert quoted by the WHO, “The involvement of health professionals in FGM is a violation of medical ethics and exploits a position of trust and authority.” The new guidance calls on governments, professional bodies, and health institutions to enact and enforce policies that explicitly prohibit the involvement of health personnel in performing or facilitating any form of FGM. Additionally, international organizations recommend comprehensive education campaigns to address the myths and gender norms that drive the continued prevalence of FGM.
While Thailand is not listed among the countries with the highest prevalence rates for FGM, the issue is nonetheless relevant to diverse communities across Southeast Asia and to Thai public health policy. Thailand’s role as a regional medical hub attracts patients from countries where FGM is practiced, and the nation faces increased responsibility to ensure robust medical ethics and protections for vulnerable groups. Thai health authorities and medical educators have an opportunity to incorporate the new WHO recommendations into training curriculums, particularly in the fields of gynecology, obstetrics, and mental health services. A leading official from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has previously emphasized that “medical ethics and the dignity of the patient are intrinsic to Thai clinical practice,” though advocacy groups call for greater awareness and explicit policies to address FGM in both private and public healthcare settings.
Culturally, the topic of FGM may evoke parallels to other forms of traditional or cosmetic female genital surgeries, which exist in various societies, sometimes tied to ritual, aesthetics, or social expectations. Health experts urge the Thai public to distinguish between cultural practices and what international bodies like WHO identify as clear harm—reminding readers that FGM is condemned unequivocally by both medical science and human rights frameworks. Events such as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, marked annually on February 6th, serve as important occasions for dialogue in Thailand and the wider ASEAN region on gender, health, and bodily autonomy (UN Women).
Looking ahead, the new WHO guidelines are expected to influence regional policy reviews, health professional training, and cross-border cooperation on patient rights. Vigilant monitoring will be critical, as advocates warn that as public awareness rises and community attitudes shift, resistance from traditionalists and confusion regarding medical legitimacy may intensify. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also created new vulnerabilities for girls at risk of FGM due to disruptions in education and protective services (ReliefWeb).
For Thai readers and policymakers, the message is clear. Ensuring that all health professionals reject involvement in FGM, and that survivors—whether local or migrant—can access comprehensive, compassionate care, must be a top priority. The WHO’s recommendations provide a roadmap—not just for ending medicalized FGM, but for strengthening gender equity and clinical ethics across all sectors of Thai healthcare. For parents, educators, and civic leaders, the call to action is to foster community discussions that challenge harmful traditions, empower girls, and support survivors without stigma.
For further information and practical resources, healthcare professionals can familiarize themselves with the WHO guidelines on FGM and collaborate with national medical councils to strengthen reporting and prevention mechanisms. Community organizations and educators are encouraged to join international campaigns such as #EndFGM and work in partnership with law enforcement, social services, and mental health practitioners to support at-risk groups and survivors. Ultimately, upholding the dignity and rights of girls and women in Thailand requires a sustained, multi-sectoral effort—one firmly rooted in the global movement to end FGM once and for all.