Bríd Hehir

Bríd is a retired health professional and since 2022, an Associate of The Centre of Parenting Cultural Studies at the University of Kent.

She started her career in the 70’s as a (volunteer) nurse and midwife in Ethiopia, then Botswana, where she worked for almost four years. She encountered FGM/C in Ethiopia.

She then moved to London where she worked in the National Health Service (NHS) as a midwife, community nurse, health visitor, reproductive and sexual health nurse and manager over a period of 30 years. She did not encounter FGM/C during that time despite working with immigrants from communities who are reported to practice it still.

Bríd is puzzled by the current reported prevalence of the practice, the official and media responses and the focus of the associated campaigns. And is concerned that they might cause more harm than good.

She welcomes material from others wanting to contribute meaningfully to discussions in regard to the practice. Offers for publication (unpaid) will also be considered with interest. Publication does not necessarily mean agreement with authors’ views. Send ideas and suggestions to [email protected].