PURPOSE:
The aim of this paper is to discuss the FGM/C clinical data collected in one local health district in New South Wales (NSW) Australia and discuss some experiences of women with FGM/C receiving care through their childbirth journey.

DISCUSSION:
As a consequence of international migration patterns, in high income countries such as Australia, midwives are increasingly caring for women who have experienced female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). This may occur in women from countries such as one of the 30 African, some Middle Eastern countries or some parts of South and South East Asia. FGM/C involves partial of total removal of the female external genitalia or any other injury for non-medical reasons. It is important that the midwives caring for these women have the knowledge and skills to be able to have an appropriate conversation with and provide women who have experienced FGM/C the care they need and deserve. Midwives have a critical role to play in collecting date around FGM/C as well as providing culturally safe care to these women. The prevalence data of FGM/C in Australia is not uniformly collected nationally but according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2019, it is estimated that 53,000 women who immigrated to Australia are likely to have experienced FGM/C prior to arrival to Australia, giving a rate of 4.3 per 1000 women or 0.4%.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
2019 AIHW Towards estimating the prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting in Australia

KEY MESSAGE:
The importance of detailed clinical data on prevalence of women who have experienced FGM/C and the relationship of the type of FGM/C to the type of birth and perineal outcomes. This information can enhance the body of knowledge in relation to women with FGM/C and assist midwives' discussion and interaction with the woman and her partner in preparation for her birth. Poster session 2 (Group A)