top of page

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Background

 

  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or Female Genital Circumcision (FGC) is the practice of cutting female genitals this practice is done in a variety of countries for many reasons. 

  • FGM is a cultural practice steeped in tradition as a rite of passage for many women in Africa, the Middle East and the U.S.

  • Four different types of FCG are being practiced:  

  • Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris. 

  • Excision:  partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora. 

  • Infibulation:  the most severe form of FGM where the vaginal opening is narrowed through the creation of a covering  seal.

  • all other harmful  procedures to the female genitalia. 

  • This WHO (World Health Organization) states that FGM has no health benefits and estimates that 200 million women and girls have been subjected to this practice.

  • Complications from this practice include risk of diseases, UTI infections, lifelong health problems, dangerous complications in childbirth and in some cases even death.The procedure is performed with tools including razor blades, shards of glass, scissors, hot objects or knives.

  • Most of the “cutters” or people who perform these procedures are not medical professionals and often use their cutting instruments on 20-40 girls/women without sterilizing or any type of cleaning of the instruments.

  • The UN identifies FGM as “an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls.” FGM is also viewed by many as a form of  “sexual control” by keeping girls/women chaste and pure by preserving their virginity before marriage or ensuring faithfulness in marriage.

  • Citizens are reluctant to argue for licensed medical personnel to perform this procedure since it would be showing support for this horrific violation of rights.
     

Psychological Impact

​

  • Much of the focus in research and practice has been physical including procedures to repair the mutilation but, not much has been done for the psychological impact women experience. 

  • Women have reported to experience: PTSD, Affective Disorders (including Depression, Anxiety, Somatisation, and Phobia as some examples).

  • Sociocultural implications:

  • More marital dissatisfaction 

  • Sexual control by the males of females; devaluing of women and their place in society.

  • Fear and Shame - especially when the woman moves to a country where FGM is not practiced 

  • Types 1, 2, and 3 can accrue physical consequences such as hemorrhage, infection, chronic pain, dysuria, pelvic inflammatory disease, keloid scarring, sexual dysfunction, infertility and birth complications 

  • It is important to note that not all survivors see their experience as trauma. Women who consider FGM to be an integral part of their culture and social convention appear to have an easier time accepting their situation - believing that any problems they experience from the procedure represent the norm. 

bottom of page