A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana

Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig; Ernest Tei Maya; John Kuumuori Ganle

doi:doi:10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Case Report |

| Peer-Reviewed

A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana

Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig^*

, Ernest Tei Maya

, John Kuumuori Ganle

Published in World Journal of Medical Case Reports (Volume 7, Issue 1)

Received: 2 September 2025 Accepted: 12 September 2025 Published: 20 February 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Introduction: Ghana continues to grapple with the complex issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a practice marked by notable regional disparities. Driven by multifaceted motivations, including deeply ingrained cultural values, perceived benefits for the girl child, and efforts to curb sexual promiscuity, FGM/C poses significant health risks. This article presents a near-miss case of a 19-year-old woman who experienced prolonged labour and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to complications arising from FGM/C. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old woman with a history of FGM/C presented with prolonged labour and PPH. Physical examination revealed Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) complicated by multiple perineal and vaginal tears. A vaginal delivery was facilitated by bilateral episiotomy, and the episiotomies and lacerations were subsequently repaired. Due to significant blood loss from PPH, the patient received 2 units of whole blood. Fortunately, the mother recovered physically well, with normal urinary and faecal continence, and the baby pair is doing well. However, true recovery in this case will require an enabling environment and supportive care to address her psychosocial needs. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a comprehensive approach to eradicate FGM/C, including awareness creation, strengthening anti-FGM/C laws, and providing a supportive environment that promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of victims. Collective efforts by all stakeholders are crucial to achieving this goal and ensuring that women and girls are protected from the harmful effects of FGM/C.

Published in	World Journal of Medical Case Reports (Volume 7, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
Page(s)	9-13
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Maternal Near-Miss, Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting, Prolonged Labour, Savannah Region, Ghana

1. Introduction

Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons

[1]

. FGM/C is a violation of the human rights of girls, adolescents, and women

[1]

. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM/C is a global public health issue, practised in at least 30 countries, and over 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM worldwide

[1]

. FGM/C is most commonly practised in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but it also occurs in other regions, including Europe, North America, and Australia, due to migration and globalisation

[2]

. The highest prevalence is found in Somalia (98%), Guinea (97%), and Djibouti (93%)

[2]

. Other countries with high prevalence rates include Sierra Leone, Mali, Egypt, and Sudan

[2]

The prevalence of FGM/C in Ghana is estimated to be less than 12% of women of reproductive age with marked regional disparities

[3-7]

. In Ghana, FGM is a criminal offence punishable by law under the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 1994 (484). Perpetrators could be sentenced to 5 – 10 years imprisonment if found guilty

[8]

. Over the years, the government of Ghana has implemented many programmes to raise awareness about the devastating effects of FGM/C and to educate the citizens about the law. These and other global efforts led to a drastic reduction in the practice of FGM/C in Ghana but not abandonment, from 97% in 1994 to among the Kasenas

[9]

to about 24% in 2021

[7]

. The practice of FGM/C is still ongoing in some remote parts of the country, especially in the 5 northern regions with disparities in the prevalence

[7, 10, 11]

. In the Northern region, the prevalence of FGM/C is 7.5%; 24.0% in the Upper East; and 50.5% in the Upper West Region

[7]

The commonly cited reasons for the practice of FGM/C include traditional and cultural beliefs, religious beliefs, a rite of passage into womanhood, suppression of sexuality, promiscuity, ethnic identity, and inclusivity

[1, 11-13]

. The predictors and factors associated with the practice of FGM/C in Ghana and other parts of the world include age, place of residence, ethnicity, educational level, economic status, marital status, employment status, religion, and maternal FGM status

[7, 14, 15]

The obstetric complications of FGM/C include prolonged and obstructed labour, increased risk of maternal and neonatal mortality, vaginal and perineal lacerations, obstetric fistula, infection and sepsis, foetal distress and stillbirth

[1, 5, 16-18]

. Again, women who have undergone FGM/C are more likely to experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression during childbirth, which can further exacerbate these physical complications

[19, 20]

. In this paper, we report on a maternal near-miss case of a 19-year-old nulliparous woman with prolonged labour due to complications of FGM/C. We complemented the case report with existing literature to highlight the ongoing FGM/C pandemic and its devastating impacts on women's health, well-being, and lives.

2. Case Presentation

A 19-year-old nulliparous woman was referred to the Bole District Hospital in the Savannah region of Ghana after 18 hours in labour, including 12 hours at home and 6 hours at a CHPS Compound, due to failure to progress. On arrival, she was in severe pain but had stable vital signs. Obstetric and pelvic examination revealed the Symphysio-fundal height (SFH) to be 32cm, lie longitudinal, cephalic presentation descent 0/5^th, Contractions: 4/10 minutes, 50secs duration, and foetal heart rate was 170 bpm. The external genitalia had no clitoris, no labia minora and some parts of the labia majora. (This was carried out during her childhood) Parts of the labia majora were fused with an old scar between them (Type 3 FGM with narrowed vaginal introitus). There was massive caput succedaneum and very tight vaginal introitus, with perineal lacerations.

Vaginal delivery was achieved with the aid of bilateral episiotomy. The patient sustained multiple perineal and vaginal lacerations with resultant primary postpartum haemorrhage. The total estimated blood loss was about 1100mls.

The baby delivered weighed 2.6 kg, had low APGAR scores (4/10, 6/10) and was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for 7 days due to birth asphyxia before discharge.

Following the challenging delivery, her episiotomies, vaginal, and perineal tears were repaired. To prevent infection, she was prescribed a 7-day course of antibiotics (Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and Metronidazole). Additionally, she received a blood transfusion of 2 units to address anaemia caused by postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to the perineal and vaginal lacerations. The haemoglobin before transfusion was 6.1g/dl and post-transfusion haemoglobin was 9.0g/dl. Pain management was effectively achieved with diclofenac suppositories. A urethral catheter was placed for 10 days as a precautionary measure to prevent obstetric fistula formation, ensuring a thorough and safe recovery. She was prescribed tab fesolate 200mg daily x 30 days.

The patient was discharged after 14 days, she has come for postnatal services and the mother-baby pair is doing well. The mother is continent of both urine and faeces.

This case report was conducted in accordance with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of the clinical details and accompanying images for academic purposes. The patient was fully informed that the images might be published in medical journals, and consent was obtained after ensuring anonymity by removing any identifying information.

3. Discussion

The case presented in this paper originates from the Savannah region of Ghana, a region with one of the highest prevalence rates of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) in the country

[7, 8, 10]

. The patient in this case had type 3 FGM/C, which resulted in a narrowed vaginal introitus

[1, 6, 21]

. This traumatic practice, experienced in childhood as part of a sociocultural tradition, has led to severe consequences, including prolonged and obstructed labour, as well as other obstetric complications. By examining this case, we aim to highlight the critical role of environmental factors surrounding the patient in perpetuating such adverse outcomes.

FGM/C causes complications throughout a woman's lifespan, broadly categorised into urogynaecological, obstetric, and psychological complications

[19]

. Research has shown a direct association between type 3 FGM/C and obstetric complications, including prolonged or obstructed labour

[5, 17, 18, 22-24]

. Studies have reported increased risks of postpartum haemorrhage, perineal trauma, caesarean section, and neonatal complications

[17, 18, 25]

. However, some studies have found no association between obstructed labour and FGM/C

[26, 27]

. In FGM/C cases like the one described, prolonged or obstructed labour occurs due to excessive scarring preventing normal stretching of the perineum and vaginal outlet during labour, leading to severe maternal morbidity and mortality

[28, 29]

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 1. Type 3 FGM/C causing perineal and vaginal tears.

The management of FGM/C cases requires skilled birth attendants trained to perform procedures like episiotomy, which was necessary in this case to aid delivery. However, FGM/C stigma deters women from seeking skilled delivery

[30]

. Our patient exemplifies the consequences of delayed medical care, having laboured for approximately 12 hours under the care of a traditional birth attendant in a home setting, likely due to perceived stigma associated with formal medical facilities, a concern particularly relevant among nulliparous women. This case highlights how cultural beliefs and stigma can contribute to both the perpetuation of FGM/C and delayed access to skilled medical care. We use this case to illustrate the complex interplay between cultural factors and healthcare-seeking behaviours, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to address these barriers.

Download: Download full-size image

Figure 2. Repaired episiotomies, vaginal and perineal lacerations.

Despite Ghana outlawing FGM/C in 1994, this case report underscores the persistence of this practice as a significant public health concern. FGM/C continues due to inadequate collaboration among key stakeholders, including opinion leaders, state institutions, and human rights groups

[31]

. Predictors of FGM/C in Northern Ghana include residence region, ethnicity, educational level, and economic status

[10]

, with cross-border activities potentially contributing to its prevalence in border towns due to legislative gaps

[8, 10]

. Addressing FGM/C requires a coordinated effort among stakeholders, including government modification of laws to include cross-border FGM/C, development of preventive protocols by the Ministry of Health, awareness creation by healthcare providers, public denunciation by community leaders, media reporting, and integration of FGM/C education into school curricula.

Notably, this case report highlights the direct causal link between a harmful environment and tragic health damage, underscoring that FGM/C is a broader societal issue determining women's health. Our ethical responsibility extends beyond treating individual patients to transforming the social environment perpetuating FGM/C. A comprehensive approach addressing the root causes of FGM/C and promoting a supportive environment for women's health and well-being is essential.

4. Conclusion

While this case achieved physical recovery through timely and appropriate medical intervention, it marks only the beginning of a long journey toward true recovery. Victims of FGM/C often face lifelong challenges, including psychological trauma, reduced quality of life, and ongoing health complications. Comprehensive support, encompassing not only physical post-treatment care but also psychological counselling and community-based interventions, is essential for holistic recovery. This case underscores the urgent need to eradicate FGM/C as a harmful environmental factor and create a supportive environment that protects the physical, mental, and social well-being of survivors. By doing so, we can work toward a future where women and girls are free from the physical and psychological harm caused by this practice.

Abbreviations

FGM	Female Genital Mutilation
FGM/C	Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting
PPH	Postpartum Haemorrhage
SFH	Symphio-Fundal Height
WHO	World Health Organisation

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful to the mother and baby whose records and images are used in this case report. We are again grateful to the midwives and doctors of the Bole District hospital who contributed immensely to the full recovery of this mother and whose efforts prevented a needless maternal death.

Author Contributions

Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig: Conceptualization, Validation, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Ernest Tei Maya: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing

John Kuumuori Ganle: Supervision, Validation, Writing – review & editing

Conflicts of Interest

The authors of this case report declare that they have no competing interests.

References

[1]	WHO, Female genital mutilation. WHO-RHR, 2019. 19.19. © World Health Organization 2019.
[2]	UNICEF, United Nations Children’s Fund, Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting: A global concern, 2016.
[3]	Sipsma, H. L., et al., Female genital cutting: current practices and beliefs in western Africa. Bull World Health Organ, 2012. 90(2): p. 120-127F. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.11.090886
[4]	Yoder, P. S., S. Wang, and E. Johansen, Estimates of Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting in 27 African Countries and Yemen. Studies in Family Planning 2013. 44(2): p. 189 - 204. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1728-4465.2013.00352.x
[5]	Oduro, A. R., et al., Trends In The Prevalence Of Female Genital Mutilation And Its Effect On Delivery Outcomes In The Kassena-Nankana District Of Northern Ghana. Ghana Medical Journal, 2006. 40(3). https://doi.org/10.4314/Gmj.V40i3.55258
[6]	Llamas, J. Female Circumcision: The History, the Current Prevalence and the Approach to a Patient. 2017. https://med.virginia.edu/family-medicine/wp-content/uploads/sites/285/2017/01/Jewel-Llamas-Paper-KT3.pdf
[7]	Alhassan, A. R. and J. N. Anyinzaam-Adolipore, Female Genital Mutilation in Ghana: Prevalence and Socioeconomic Predictors. BioMed Research International, 2021. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6675579
[8]	Thompson Reuters Foundation and TrustLaw, GHANA: THE LAW AND FGM September 2018, in 28 Too Many FGM...lets end it. 2021. www.28toomany.org
[9]	Dorkenoo, E., Cutting the Rose. Female Genital Mutilation: The Practice and its Prevention. The European Journal of Women’s Studies Copyright @ SAGE Publications (London, Thousand Oaks and New Delhi), 1996. 3: p. 315-328.
[10]	Sakeah, E., et al., Prevalence and factors associated with female genital mutilation among women of reproductive age in the Bawku municipality and Pusiga District of northern Ghana. BMC Womens Health, 2018. 18(1): p. 150. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-018-0643-8
[11]	Sakeah, E., et al., Persistent female genital mutilation despite its illegality: Narratives from women and men in northern Ghana. PLoS One, 2019. 14(4): p. e0214923.
[12]	Onah, C. K., et al., Factors associated with the practice of and intention to perform female genital mutilation on a female child among married women in Abakaliki Nigeria. BMC Womens Health, 2023. 23(1): p. 376.
[13]	Sheikha, M. M., J. J. Cheptum, and I. G. Magetoc, Factors Linked to Female Genital Mutilation Practice Among Women Living In Alungu Village of Mandera County, Kenya. East African Health Research Journal, 2023. 7(1).
[14]	Ahinkorah, B. O., Factors associated with female genital mutilation among women of reproductive age and girls aged 0-14 in Chad: a mixed-effects multilevel analysis of the 2014-2015 Chad demographic and health survey data. BMC Public Health, 2021. 21(1): p. 286. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10293-y
[15]	El-Dirani, Z., et al., Factors associated with female genital mutilation: a systematic review and synthesis of national, regional and community- based studies. BMJ Sex Reprod Health, 2022. 48: p. 169–178. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsrh-2021-201399
[16]	Anikwe, C. C., et al., Female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome: A cross-sectional comparative study in a tertiary hospital in Abakaliki South East Nigeria. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X, 2019. 1: p. 100005. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurox.2019.100005
[17]	Berg, R. C. and V. Underland, The obstetric consequences of female genital mutilation/cutting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol Int, 2013. 2013: p. 496564. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/496564
[18]	Gebremicheal, K., et al., Sequela of female genital mutilation on birth outcomes in Jijiga town, Ethiopian Somali region: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 2018. 18(1): p. 305. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-018-1937-4
[19]	Reisel, D. and S. M. Creighton, Long term health consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Maturitas, 2015. 80(1): p. 48-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.10.009
[20]	Sarayloo, K., R. Latifnejad Roudsari, and A. Elhadi, Health Consequences of the Female Genital Mutilation: A Systematic Review. Galen Med J, 2019. 8: p. e1336. https://doi.org/10.22086/gmj.v8i0.1336. eCollection 2019
[21]	Al-Hussaini, T. K., Female genital cutting: types, motives and perineal damage in laboring Egyptian women. Med Princ Pract, 2003. 12(2): p. 123-8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000069119
[22]	Millogo-Traore, F., et al., [Maternal and foetal prognostic in excised women delivery]. J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris), 2007. 36(4): p. 393-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgyn.2007.03.002
[23]	WHO, A Systematic Review of the Health Complications of Female Genital Mutilation including Sequelae in Childbirth. WHO_FCH_WMH, 2000. 00.2. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/66355
[24]	Kasim, Y. M., I. F. Abdul, and O. R. Balogun, Female genital mutilation and reproductive outcome. Nigeria Journal of Medicine, 2002. 11(3): p. 105-107.
[25]	Banks, E., et al., Female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome: WHO collaborative prospective study in six African countries. Lancet, 2006. 367(9525): p. 1835-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68805-3
[26]	Balachandran, A. A., et al., Are obstetric outcomes affected by female genital mutilation? Int Urogynecol J, 2018. 29(3): p. 339-344. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3466-5
[27]	Essen, B., et al., No association between female circumcision and prolonged labour: a case control study of immigrant women giving birth in Sweden. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2005. 121(2): p. 182-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2004.12.010
[28]	Say, L., et al., Global causes of maternal death: a WHO systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health, 2014. 2(6): p. e323-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(14)70227-X
[29]	Melesse, Y., et al., One-sixth of women experienced obstructed labor among those delivered at public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia: A multicenter study. SAGE Open Med, 2023. 11: p. 20503121231164056.
[30]	Seidu, A. A., et al., Female genital mutilation and skilled birth attendance among women in sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Womens Health, 2022. 22(1): p. 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01578-w
[31]	Ako, M. A. and P. Akweongo, The limited effectiveness of legislation against female genital mutilation and the role of community beliefs in Upper East Region, Ghana. Reprod Health Matters, 2009. 17(34): p. 47-54. https://doi.org/1016/S0968-8080(09)34474-2

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Abesig, J. W., Maya, E. T., Ganle, J. K. (2026). A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana. World Journal of Medical Case Reports, 7(1), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Abesig, J. W.; Maya, E. T.; Ganle, J. K. A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana. World J. Med. Case Rep. 2026, 7(1), 9-13. doi: 10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Abesig JW, Maya ET, Ganle JK. A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana. World J Med Case Rep. 2026;7(1):9-13. doi: 10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13,
  author = {Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig and Ernest Tei Maya and John Kuumuori Ganle},
  title = {A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana},
  journal = {World Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  volume = {7},
  number = {1},
  pages = {9-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjmcr.20260701.13},
  abstract = {Introduction: Ghana continues to grapple with the complex issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a practice marked by notable regional disparities. Driven by multifaceted motivations, including deeply ingrained cultural values, perceived benefits for the girl child, and efforts to curb sexual promiscuity, FGM/C poses significant health risks. This article presents a near-miss case of a 19-year-old woman who experienced prolonged labour and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to complications arising from FGM/C. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old woman with a history of FGM/C presented with prolonged labour and PPH. Physical examination revealed Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) complicated by multiple perineal and vaginal tears. A vaginal delivery was facilitated by bilateral episiotomy, and the episiotomies and lacerations were subsequently repaired. Due to significant blood loss from PPH, the patient received 2 units of whole blood. Fortunately, the mother recovered physically well, with normal urinary and faecal continence, and the baby pair is doing well. However, true recovery in this case will require an enabling environment and supportive care to address her psychosocial needs. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a comprehensive approach to eradicate FGM/C, including awareness creation, strengthening anti-FGM/C laws, and providing a supportive environment that promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of victims. Collective efforts by all stakeholders are crucial to achieving this goal and ensuring that women and girls are protected from the harmful effects of FGM/C.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana
AU  - Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig
AU  - Ernest Tei Maya
AU  - John Kuumuori Ganle
Y1  - 2026/02/20
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
T2  - World Journal of Medical Case Reports
JF  - World Journal of Medical Case Reports
JO  - World Journal of Medical Case Reports
SP  - 9
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-726X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
AB  - Introduction: Ghana continues to grapple with the complex issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a practice marked by notable regional disparities. Driven by multifaceted motivations, including deeply ingrained cultural values, perceived benefits for the girl child, and efforts to curb sexual promiscuity, FGM/C poses significant health risks. This article presents a near-miss case of a 19-year-old woman who experienced prolonged labour and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to complications arising from FGM/C. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old woman with a history of FGM/C presented with prolonged labour and PPH. Physical examination revealed Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) complicated by multiple perineal and vaginal tears. A vaginal delivery was facilitated by bilateral episiotomy, and the episiotomies and lacerations were subsequently repaired. Due to significant blood loss from PPH, the patient received 2 units of whole blood. Fortunately, the mother recovered physically well, with normal urinary and faecal continence, and the baby pair is doing well. However, true recovery in this case will require an enabling environment and supportive care to address her psychosocial needs. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a comprehensive approach to eradicate FGM/C, including awareness creation, strengthening anti-FGM/C laws, and providing a supportive environment that promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of victims. Collective efforts by all stakeholders are crucial to achieving this goal and ensuring that women and girls are protected from the harmful effects of FGM/C.
VL  - 7
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig

Ghana Health Service, Bole District Hospital, Bole, Ghana;School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0005-4382-7029
Ernest Tei Maya

School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6050-6837
John Kuumuori Ganle

School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8382-3437

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Abesig, J. W., Maya, E. T., Ganle, J. K. (2026). A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana. World Journal of Medical Case Reports, 7(1), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Abesig, J. W.; Maya, E. T.; Ganle, J. K. A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana. World J. Med. Case Rep. 2026, 7(1), 9-13. doi: 10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Abesig JW, Maya ET, Ganle JK. A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana. World J Med Case Rep. 2026;7(1):9-13. doi: 10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13,
  author = {Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig and Ernest Tei Maya and John Kuumuori Ganle},
  title = {A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana},
  journal = {World Journal of Medical Case Reports},
  volume = {7},
  number = {1},
  pages = {9-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjmcr.20260701.13},
  abstract = {Introduction: Ghana continues to grapple with the complex issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a practice marked by notable regional disparities. Driven by multifaceted motivations, including deeply ingrained cultural values, perceived benefits for the girl child, and efforts to curb sexual promiscuity, FGM/C poses significant health risks. This article presents a near-miss case of a 19-year-old woman who experienced prolonged labour and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to complications arising from FGM/C. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old woman with a history of FGM/C presented with prolonged labour and PPH. Physical examination revealed Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) complicated by multiple perineal and vaginal tears. A vaginal delivery was facilitated by bilateral episiotomy, and the episiotomies and lacerations were subsequently repaired. Due to significant blood loss from PPH, the patient received 2 units of whole blood. Fortunately, the mother recovered physically well, with normal urinary and faecal continence, and the baby pair is doing well. However, true recovery in this case will require an enabling environment and supportive care to address her psychosocial needs. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a comprehensive approach to eradicate FGM/C, including awareness creation, strengthening anti-FGM/C laws, and providing a supportive environment that promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of victims. Collective efforts by all stakeholders are crucial to achieving this goal and ensuring that women and girls are protected from the harmful effects of FGM/C.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Maternal Near-Miss: A Case Report of Prolonged Labour Due to Female Genital Mutilation at the Bole District Hospital, Ghana
AU  - Jonathan Wadeyir Abesig
AU  - Ernest Tei Maya
AU  - John Kuumuori Ganle
Y1  - 2026/02/20
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
DO  - 10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
T2  - World Journal of Medical Case Reports
JF  - World Journal of Medical Case Reports
JO  - World Journal of Medical Case Reports
SP  - 9
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2994-726X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmcr.20260701.13
AB  - Introduction: Ghana continues to grapple with the complex issue of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), a practice marked by notable regional disparities. Driven by multifaceted motivations, including deeply ingrained cultural values, perceived benefits for the girl child, and efforts to curb sexual promiscuity, FGM/C poses significant health risks. This article presents a near-miss case of a 19-year-old woman who experienced prolonged labour and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) due to complications arising from FGM/C. Case Presentation: A 19-year-old woman with a history of FGM/C presented with prolonged labour and PPH. Physical examination revealed Type 3 FGM/C (infibulation) complicated by multiple perineal and vaginal tears. A vaginal delivery was facilitated by bilateral episiotomy, and the episiotomies and lacerations were subsequently repaired. Due to significant blood loss from PPH, the patient received 2 units of whole blood. Fortunately, the mother recovered physically well, with normal urinary and faecal continence, and the baby pair is doing well. However, true recovery in this case will require an enabling environment and supportive care to address her psychosocial needs. Conclusion: We strongly recommend a comprehensive approach to eradicate FGM/C, including awareness creation, strengthening anti-FGM/C laws, and providing a supportive environment that promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of victims. Collective efforts by all stakeholders are crucial to achieving this goal and ensuring that women and girls are protected from the harmful effects of FGM/C.
VL  - 7
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download