International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
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The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, usually just FIGO as the acronym of its French name Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique, founded in 1954 is a worldwide NGO organisation representing obstetricians and gynecologists in over one hundred territories with the aim to "promote the well-being of women and to raise the standard of practice in obstetrics and gynecology". It is financed by dues of member societies, grants, and educational activities. Membership is currently composed of 110 professional societies of obstetricians and gynaecologists worldwide. FIGO is headquartered at 42 Rue du 31 décembre, Geneva, Switzerland.
FIGO's work covers many aspects of obstetrics and gynecology such as oncology, STDs/AIDS, perinatal health, education, safe motherhood, the pathology of the breast, medical terminology, social activities on women's health, new technology and ethics.
FIGO conducts a triennial meeting, the "World Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology". In addition the society sponsors fellowships, lectures, provides reports about women’s health, and offers grants. Importantly through international committees consensus guidelines are achieved about evaluation and treatment of gynecologic and obstetrical disorders. Thus the FIGO staging system for gynecological malignancy is generally accepted.
Major publications are the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the "FIGO Newsletter", as well as Annual Reports.
FIGO Ethical Guidelines have been reproduced (with commentary) in academic periodicals: e.g. (2006) 7 Medical Law International 361.
