Qualitative Study of Midwives' Perceptions and Responses to the Implementation of Female Genital Mutilation (Circumcision) by Midwives in Aceh Post-Regulation

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Eka Mulyana
Nurjannah Nurjannah
Nasrul Zaman
Irwan Saputra
Maidar Maidar

Abstract

traditional and religious practice for girls in Aceh. While Indonesia has ratified international agreements banning Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), implementation faces unique challenges in Aceh due to strong cultural and religious influences on healthcare practices. Objective: This study examined midwives' implementation of female circumcision following 2024 regulations, exploring practice challenges, conflicts between professional ethics and cultural values, and clinical implications. Methods: We conducted qualitative, phenomenological interviews with 18 midwives from four Aceh regions (Banda Aceh, Southwest Aceh, Central Aceh, and East Aceh), selected through snowball sampling, to capture diverse experiences. Results: Perceptions and responses to FGM regulations, along with value conflicts between legal requirements, professional ethics, and cultural/religious norms. Conclusion: The 2024 regulations have positioned midwives as key agents of change in eliminating FGM/C.However, effective implementation is hindered by information gaps, strong cultural resistance, and insufficient government support.

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Mulyana, E., Nurjannah, N., Zaman, N., Saputra, I., & Maidar, M. (2025). Qualitative Study of Midwives’ Perceptions and Responses to the Implementation of Female Genital Mutilation (Circumcision) by Midwives in Aceh Post-Regulation. International Journal of Public Health Excellence (IJPHE), 5(1), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.55299/ijphe.v5i1.1423
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