A 14-year-old girl is found on examination to have had female genital mutilation. What are the doctor's duties in England?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Report to the police under the mandatory duty and follow safeguarding
- Step 1: Section 5B of the FGM Act 2003 requires regulated professionals to report known cases in under 18s.
- Step 2: The duty overrides confidentiality, and local safeguarding procedures also apply.
Answer
Report to the police under the mandatory duty and follow safeguarding.
Why not the others: Refer for counselling only, with no report: Counselling alone does not satisfy the duty. Maintain her confidentiality entirely, with no report to anyone outside the clinic: The duty is mandatory for under 18s. Ask the parents whether they wish the police to be informed about the finding: Parental consent is not needed.
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