Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to tackle illegal genital and other cosmetic surgery practices.

The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes female genital mutilation (FGM) a criminal offence, but sets out the medical circumstances in which surgical operations on the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris are permitted. These circumstances are where the operations are carried out by an approved person (such as a medical professional) and are necessary for a woman or girl's physical or mental health or for purposes connected with labour or child birth. Enforcement of the criminal law is a matter for the police.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Ethics Committee has published a paper on ethical considerations in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS), which refers to the distinction between this type of surgery and FGM. It states that “All surgeons who undertake FGCS must take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the FGM Act”.

In April 2016, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) published Professional Standards for Cosmetic Surgery for clinicians working in the cosmetic field. It also launched a patient information hub in June 2016 and has set in place a minimum dataset to assist the collection and collation of data related to cosmetic surgical activity. The General Medical Council (GMC) published new guidance for doctors performing cosmetic procedures which came into effect from 1 June 2016. The Care Quality Commission has also developed a new inspection framework which will take account of the new RCS and GMC requirements.

Health Education England (HEE) published qualification requirements for practitioners performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2016. A Joint Council of Cosmetic Practitioners has recently been established that will look to build on the work of HEE by developing qualification requirements to deliver non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and aim to improve the standards and safety of the cosmetic industry. In addition, NHS Choices is contributing information and advice on cosmetic interventions for the public.