Obstetric sequelae of female circumcision.

Circumcision of the female has been reported to give rise to major complications both to the mother and the infant during delivery, resulting in increased maternal morbidity and fetal loss. In a controlled series of 167 circumcised patients, receiving optimal ante-natal and intra-partum care in hospital, we observed only short-term complications at delivery, with no long-term effects on the mother or the baby. We conclude that these patients should all be delivered in hospitals with specialised units.