FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION 10:35:00 PM

Condition: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the process of intentionally altering, injuring, or removing female genital organs without medical cause. It is usually done as part of social, cultural, or religious traditions and occurs most frequently in Africa and parts of Asia. Currently, there are 100 - 150 million women and girls living with the effects of FGM, and an estimated 3 million girls are at risk annually (most are under the age of 15). The procedures are recognized internationally as human rights violations, but the practice continues.
Four Types: FGM is classified into four types:
1. Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, rarely, the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris) as well.
2. Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are "the lips" that surround the vagina).
3. Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, and sometimes outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.
4. Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.
Causes: As stated before, social, cultural, and less commonly, religious traditions are the primary causes of FGM. In many cultures the process is seen as a rite of passage into womanhood, and is thought to be necessary for a woman to desirable for marriage. Beliefs about proper sexual behavior for women also influence the practice. In the case of infibulation, the vagina is surgically shut to prevent a woman from engaging in premarital sex. Many of the procedures prevent any sort of sexual pleasure for women as well. Clearly, the inferior role of women in society is a major contributing factor. It is difficult to dissect and completely understand the exact causes however. In many cases female professionals perform the procedure, and it can be traced back to ancient Egypt.
Effects: Extreme pain, shock, profuse bleeding, bacterial infection, and open sores are immediate effects of FGM. The long term effects include recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cysts, infertility, and increased risk of childbirth complications.
Response: It is difficult to completely condemn FGM, as it is an integral part of many cultures. However, many international organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and various non-governmental organizations have launched efforts to end the practice for reasons relating to both health and human rights. In recent years, several African countries have passed laws banning the practice. Despite these laws, FGM continues to be practiced, and the rights of these women continue to be violated.
Recent News about Female Genital Mutilation:
Australia Mulls Kenyan Women's Circumcision Case
Sweden, Denmark, Norway Fight to Stop FGM
FGM Requiring 'Cultural Sensitivity
Circumcision - Above the Law

If YOU want to do something about FGM, YOU can support these organizations:
Equality Now
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