[The voice of women subjected to female genital mutilation in the Region of Murcia (Spain)]

Abstract

Objective: To explore the perceptions of a group of women who underwent female genital mutilation on the impact of this practice on their sexual and reproductive health.

Methods: We performed a phenomenological qualitative study in a sample of 9 sub-Saharan Africa women, whose mean age was 30 years old and who had lived in Spain for 1 to 14 years. These women underwent genital mutilation in their countries of origin. Data was collected using a socio-demographic survey and an in-depth, structured personal interview. Subsequently, we performed a thematic discourse analysis.

Results: The discourses were grouped into four categories related to participants' perceptions of female genital mutilation. These categories were intimate relationships, pregnancy, childbirth, and social impact.

Conclusions: The practice of female genital mutilation is maintained due to social and family pressure, transmitted from generation to generation and silenced by women themselves. This practice affects their sexual and reproductive health, as demonstrated by anorgasmia and dyspareunia. The women were satisfied with the healthcare received during pregnancy and childbirth. Nevertheless, most of them were not satisfied with family planning.

Keywords: Circumcision; Circuncisión femenina; Derechos humanos; Female; Gender identity; Human rights abuses; Identidad de género; Investigación cualitativa; Qualitative research; Reproductive health; Salud reproductiva.