Female Genital Mutilation affects 200 million women worldwide. Girls and women who have undergone FGM experience various long-term effects - physical, sexual and psychological.
 
In 2004, French urologist Dr Pierres Foldes developed a procedure that could restore sensation by removing scar tissue and resurfacing the clitoris. The procedure, often called clitoral reconstruction or restoration aims to recover female identity, reduce pain, restore sexual pleasure and even facilitate orgasms.

It is viewed with caution and skepticism by some medical experts. The World Health Organisation says that while there are some promising studies that the operation may relieve pain, there is not yet enough evidence of safety and effectiveness. The organisation advises against raising unrealistic expectations, especially for women seeking sexual improvement. However, the demand for this surgery continues to grow all over the world. In several European countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden) it is covered by national health insurance.
 
The objectives of this webinar is to begin a discussion on surgical clitoral reconstruction for FGM survivors, to understand the current research and the different stances of European countries.
 
AUDIENCE: Professionals, policy makers and NGOs.
 
SPEAKERS:
Dr Pierre Foldes
• The history of clitoral reconstruction;

Dr Annemarie Middelburg
• Current evidence
• Reflections on FGM reconstructive surgery in Europe.

WHEN? Wednesday, 11 December 2019 - 15:00 (Brussels time).