QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Since 2015, there has been a legal duty for healthcare professionals to report suspected cases of FGM in girls under the age of 18 to the police for further investigation within 28 days of discovery. This should, of course, be done sensitively, and safeguarding processes (if relevant) should also be commenced.
10035997
a
The doctor has a legal duty to inform the police of their findings
QuestionChoice
When considering whether to breach confidentiality, it is always best to discuss reasoning with the patient and gain consent to do so. However, there is a legal duty for doctors to disclose possible FGM to the police, and they do not need consent to do so.
10036000
d
The doctor must have the patient's consent to disclose this information to the police
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect. While there would be a plausible defence to disclose this information (e.g. protecting any siblings of the patient), since 2015, there has been a legal duty for healthcare professionals to report suspected cases of FGM in girls under the age of 18 to the police for further investigation within 28 days of discovery. This should, of course, be done sensitively, and safeguarding processes (if relevant) should also be commenced.
10035998
b
The doctor does not have a legal duty to inform the police but should do so as they have a legal defence
QuestionChoice
When considering whether to breach confidentiality, it is always best to discuss reasoning with the patient (and their families if appropriate/if there are no safeguarding concerns) and gain consent to do so. However, there is a legal duty for doctors to disclose possible FGM to the police, and they do not need consent to do so.
10036001
e
The doctor must have the patient's parent/guardian's consent to disclose this information to the police
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect; since 2015, there has been a legal duty for healthcare professionals to report suspected cases of FGM in girls under the age of 18 to the police for further investigation within 28 days of discovery. This should, of course, be done sensitively, and safeguarding processes (if relevant) should also be commenced.
10035999
c
The doctor should not provide the requested information to the police as there is no legal duty to do so
Concept
Chapter
2693
6177
Legal duty vs legal defence
Topic
184
Ethics and Law
19603
Healthcare professionals must report suspected cases of female genital mutilation in under-18s to the police within 28 days of discovery.
A 14-year-old girl visits her GP complaining of heavy, painful periods. She is otherwise well with no past medical or surgical history.

On examination, the GP is concerned that there are signs of previous female genital mutilation (FGM).

Which statement best describes the current legal position on disclosing this information to the police?
a