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African Women’s Health Program

Female genital cutting may cause long-term problems, such as painful periods and intercourse, infection, infertility, and difficulty in childbirth. You don’t have to face these issues alone. We offer quality care and community support with cultural understanding.
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617-732-4740

Call the African Women’s Health Program at 617-732-4740.

6177324740
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Pioneering care for African women

The African Women’s Health Center (AWHC) was the first clinic in the U.S. to offer culturally sensitive gynecologic, obstetric, and reproductive care for African immigrants and refugees who have experienced female genital cutting (FGC).

We offer reconstructive deinfibulation surgery for women who have undergone Type III FGC. We also work to stop this practice through education and outreach.

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Part of Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Our approach to care

We work with you to help manage any physical or emotional challenges caused by FGC. We offer quality clinical care, community outreach, and education aligned with our goal to stop FGC.
Comprehensive and compassionate care for African women

Our multidisciplinary team offers patient-centered care to improve your overall health and quality of life, including:

  • Gynecology
  • Nutrition
  • Obstetrics
  • Psychiatry
  • Plastic surgery
  • Reproductive health
  • Social work

We also offer specialized care for pregnant women with preexisting diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid disease.

We speak multiple languages and provide female medical interpreters and translated educational materials.

Pioneering reconstructive treatment
We routinely perform reconstructive surgery called deinfibulation to address complications related to scarring from FGC. This procedure helps to improve physical health, sexual function, and safety during childbirth.
Education is the key to change

We are committed to stopping FGC. We believe education is the key to changing mindsets that allow this tradition to continue.

We focus our education on three groups:

  • African immigrants and refugees, so they understand the harmful effects of FGC
  • Healthcare professionals, so they can provide culturally competent care with confidence
  • The public, through media without sensationalizing the issue
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Our approach
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Conditions and treatments

Our specialists

No matter what disease or condition you have, Mass General Brigham has specialists near you who can help.
An illustration of a care team.
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617-732-4740

Call the African Women’s Health Program at 617-732-4740.

6177324740
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Specialists
We offer holistic, patient-centered women’s health services to meet the care needs of African women who have experienced female genital cutting.
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Services and programs

Contact the African Women’s Health Program

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
primary
phone
617-732-4740

Call the African Women’s Health Program at 617-732-4740.

6177324740
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International Patient Services

Contact information for international patients

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Contact