From Bedside to Court Bench: Medical Expertise and Unintended Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation Policy and Legalislation

Research Problem and Specific QuestionsOur study aims to provide a comprehensive illumination of the role of medical expertise in police investigations of suspected female genital mutilation (FGM) in Sweden and in FGM trials across Western countries.

By tracing healthcare professionals from clinics to courtrooms, our primary goal is to gain insights into how medical experts formulate and present their opinions on FGM. We also explore the ethical dilemmas that they may face in these processes.

We intend to analyse how medical opinions in the context of FGM are shaped by the broader socio-cultural and politico-legal contexts within which they are formulated.

Data and MethodWith an interdisciplinary approach, our study is conducted at the intersection of medical anthropology, medical law, and clinical medicine.

Anchored in social constructionism and discourse analysis, we analyse various empirical materials, including police investigations and court documents, policy papers, news items, and interviews with medical and legal experts.

Through qualitative analysis, our goal is to identify patterns, challenges, and opportunities concerning the use of medical expertise in the context of FGM.Societal Relevance and UtilisationThe project can provide insights beneficial for future policy and legal practice in the field of female genital mutilation.

Shedding light on the role of medical expertise in investigating and prosecuting suspected cases of genital mutilation provides the opportunity to address potential deficiencies, inconsistencies, and unintended consequences, particularly those affecting innocent families and vulnerable girls.

The study may be useful for medical practitioners as the analysis contributes to a greater understanding of the crucial role of medical experts in legal contexts.

Ultimately, our research also concerns children´s rights in legal processes and can promote the development of interventions and policies where the child´s perspective is given a central role.Plan for Project RealisationThe project spans three years, encompassing data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Year one involves the comprehensive collection of materials from various sources and preliminary analysis. In year two, we keep collecting data, deepen our analysis, collaborate with experts, and draft manuscripts.

Year three centers on disseminating results, publications, conferences, workshops, and informative sessions tailored for medical and legal professionals.