African Women’s Clinic

The African Women’s Clinic offers a free, confidential service for women affected by traditional cutting (FGM/C).

We offer support and education as well as the deinfibulation procedure for women requesting this and for whom it is appropriate in the outpatient setting.

The service is for non-pregnant and pregnant women.

We can provide an interpreter for the consultation, and patients will be supported by one of our Family & Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) workers as well.

Specialities

The service we provide is a confidential, comprehensive discussion on FGM/C providing information, and offering support around FGM/C. We also offer the deinfibulation procedure if requested and appropriate in the Outpatient setting.

Clinical inclusion

  • Pregnant and non-pregnant women who have been affected by traditional cutting
  • Women requesting information and support around FGM/C
  • Women affected by FGM/C
  • Health professionals with concerns regarding Cervical smear tests due to FGM/C
  • Women living in Victoria

Clinical exclusion

Women who have not been affected by traditional cutting.

Frequency

Every second Friday morning from 9.00am – 1.00pm ( with the last appointment at 12.15pm).

Referral

Please complete and fax the Fast Fax Referral form to Fast Fax number for the Access Centre (see contacts on this page). 

Pre-referral guidelines

Please ensure the woman realises that the deinfibulation procedure is not always able to be done in the Outpatient setting. There are still times when the woman will be referred to theatre.

Urgent referral

Please complete and fax the Fast Fax Referral form to Fast Fax number for the Access Centre. The referral will be triaged and acted on if marked urgent.

Appointment

An acknowledgement letter will be sent directly to the patient and the GP (or referring agent) will be notified. The patient will then receive a letter with the appointment details.