Towards a better estimation of prevalence of female genital mutilation in the European Union: a situation analysis.

We suggest a twofold method for estimating the number of girls and women who have undergone FGM in the EU. For countries with a low expected prevalence of women who have undergone FGM, the indirect method will provide a good enough estimation of the FGM prevalence. The extrapolation-of-FGM-countries-prevalence-data-method, based on the documented FGM prevalence numbers in DHS and MICS surveys, can be used for indirect estimations of girls and women subjected to FGM in the EU. For countries with a high expected prevalence of FGM in the EU Member State, we recommend to combine both a direct estimation method (e.g. in the form of a survey conducted in the target population) and an indirect estimation method and to use a sample design as developed by the FGM-PREV project. The choice for a direct or indirect method will ultimately depend on available financial means and the purpose for the estimation.