Midwives could be asked routinely to raise the issue of female genital mutilation with pregnant women from communities where the practice is prevalent. The Department of Health is looking at gathering data on the numbers who have been illegally mutilated in an attempt to safeguard children and potentially increase the number of prosecutions.Midwives could be asked routinely to raise the issue of female genital mutilation with pregnant women from communities where the practice is prevalent. The Department of Health is looking at gathering data on the numbers who have been illegally mutilated in an attempt to safeguard children and potentially increase the number of prosecutions.