Female genital mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from countries in which FGM is common.
Pronunciation
- /ˈfiːmeɪl ˈdʒɛnɪtəl ˌmjuːtɪˈleɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "female genital mutilation" is used by a wide range of women's health and human rights organizations. It establishes a clear distinction from male circumcision. Use of the word "mutilation" also emphasizes the gravity of the act and reinforces that the practice is a violation of women's and girls' basic human rights.
Types
FGM is categorized into 4 major types.
- Type 1: Often referred to as clitoridectomy, this is the partial or total removal of the clitoris.
- Type 2: Also known as excision, the clitoris and labia minora are partially or totally removed, with or without excision of the labia majora.
- Type 3: Also known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal, formed by cutting and repositioning the labia.
- Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.
Health effects
FGM has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue, and interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Female genital mutilation
- Wikipedia's article - Female genital mutilation
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