This is the third of the dilemmas considered here.

To allow childbirth, it is necessary to surgically open an infibulation.  After delivery, women (and their husbands) ask for restoration of the infibulation (re-infibulation), which involves re-suturing. MSF opposes re-infibulation and works to ensure that it is not undertaken in its delivery facilities.  Although MSF opposes this practice, not performing re-infibulations risks jeopardising community trust, which could lead to women no longer attending the only safe childbirth service in the region.  Should the staff break MSF’s policy, honour the request of the mother, and avoid the risk of losing community acceptance?