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 parts of 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.
Related Terms
- Clitoridectomy: The partial or total removal of the clitoris.
- Infibulation: The creation of an artificial closure of the vulva.
- Deinfibulation: The practice of cutting open the sealed vaginal opening of a woman who has been infibulated.
- Circumcision: The removal of the foreskin from the human penis.
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. Immediate complications can include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage (bleeding), tetanus or sepsis (bacterial infection), urine retention, open sores in the genital region and injury to nearby genital tissue.
Legality and Cultural Aspects
FGM is considered a human rights violation by the World Health Organization and is illegal in many countries. Despite this, it continues to be practiced in many cultures due to traditional beliefs and social pressures.
See Also
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