Hot topic survey: Discussing the results of experts’ responses on controversial issues in FGM/C

Background The issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is well studied in the scientific literature. However, only a few studies have examined controversial issues in FGM/C. This research project assesses experts’ opinions upon several hot topics to determine which issues reach consensus and which do not. Methods Before the launch of the first edition of the G3 FGM/C expert meeting in March 2017, all participants (N=98), including physicians, social scientists, policymakers, and activists, were invited to respond to an online descriptive and explorative survey. The survey included two parts, the first one was intended for all participants, the second one only for clinicians. We built the survey and selected some hot topics or research gaps based on current literature and debates. The results were analyzed with the quantitative software SPSS. Results The majority of the participants thinks that the FGM/C classification proposed by the WHO and other UN agencies in 2007 should be revised. They further agree with the legal prohibition of both reinfibulation and ritual pricking and express worries about the dangers represented by the lawfulness of both female genital cosmetic surgeries and male circumcision in the discredit of prevention campaigns against FGM/C. However, participants had different views about whether or not female genital cosmetic surgeries should be banned and whether or not regular vulvar examination should be carried out in female children. Conclusions Our results show that although some traditionally hot topic questions surrounding FGM/C make consensus in the experts’ community, others are still debated. We feel that such data are important to revise current guidelines and continue the reflection on these difficult questions.