Are you seeking clarity on female circumcision? This practice, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), involves procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. At WHAT.EDU.VN, we provide information to enhance understanding. This article explores its definition, types, health implications, and global efforts to end FGM, drawing from reliable sources and research. Explore WHAT.EDU.VN for more insights and to ask questions freely about global health topics, women’s health, and reproductive health.
1. What Is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, encompasses all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This practice carries no health benefits and is recognized internationally as a violation of human rights.
FGM, according to UNICEF, is primarily carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, though it can also occur later in life. It violates a person’s rights to health, security, physical integrity, and freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
2. What Are the Different Types of FGM?
The World Health Organization classifies FGM into four major types:
2.1. Type 1: Clitoridectomy
This involves the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the visible part of the clitoris) and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).
2.2. Type 2: Excision
This involves the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (inner folds of the vulva), with or without the removal of the labia majora (outer folds of the vulva).
2.3. Type 3: Infibulation
Also known as infibulation, this involves narrowing the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, sometimes with stitching, with or without the removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.
2.4. Type 4: Other Harmful Procedures
This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.
3. What Are the Immediate Health Complications of FGM?
FGM has no health benefits and is associated with numerous immediate health risks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These include:
3.1. Severe Pain and Bleeding
The immediate trauma of FGM causes intense pain and can lead to excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), posing a life-threatening risk.
3.2. Genital Tissue Swelling and Fever
The body’s response to the physical trauma of FGM often includes swelling of the genital tissues and a high fever, indicating a significant inflammatory response or infection.
3.3. Infections
The unhygienic conditions under which FGM is often performed can result in severe infections, including tetanus, a potentially fatal bacterial infection affecting the nervous system.
3.4. Urinary Problems
Damage to the urinary tract during FGM can lead to difficulties in urination and painful urination, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections.
3.5. Wound Healing Problems
The crude methods used in FGM can result in poorly healing wounds, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.
3.6. Injury to Surrounding Genital Tissue
The imprecise nature of FGM can cause unintended damage to surrounding genital tissues, leading to further complications and pain.
3.7. Shock
Severe pain and blood loss during FGM can cause the body to go into shock, a life-threatening condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure.
3.8. Death
In the most severe cases, the trauma, blood loss, and infection resulting from FGM can lead to death.
4. What Are the Long-Term Health Complications of FGM?
Long-term complications of FGM can include:
4.1. Urinary Problems
FGM can lead to painful urination and increased risk of urinary tract infections.
4.2. Vaginal Problems
Women may experience discharge, itching, and infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
4.3. Menstrual Problems
Painful menstruation and difficulty in passing menstrual blood are common issues.
4.4. Scar Tissue and Keloid Formation
The formation of scar tissue and keloids can cause discomfort and pain.
4.5. Sexual Problems
Pain during intercourse and decreased satisfaction are frequently reported.
4.6. Increased Risk of Childbirth Complications
FGM can lead to difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, and the need for a caesarean section, as well as increased risk of newborn deaths.
4.7. Need for Later Surgeries
Women with Type 3 FGM may require deinfibulation to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth.
4.8. Psychological Problems
Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem are common psychological effects.
5. Where Is FGM Most Commonly Practiced?
FGM is primarily practiced in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. According to UNICEF, these countries include:
- Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda.
- Middle East: Iraq, Yemen.
- Asia: Indonesia, Maldives.
6. Who Is Most at Risk of Undergoing FGM?
According to available data from 31 countries where FGM is practiced in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, more than 230 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to the practice. An estimated 4 million girls are at risk of FGM annually.
7. Why Is FGM Practiced?
The reasons behind FGM are varied and complex, rooted in a mix of sociocultural factors within families and communities, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These include:
7.1. Social Convention
In many communities, FGM is a deeply ingrained social norm. The pressure to conform to what others do and have done, the need for social acceptance, and the fear of community rejection are strong motivators for perpetuating the practice.
7.2. Preparation for Adulthood and Marriage
FGM is often viewed as a necessary rite of passage for girls, preparing them for adulthood and marriage. This can include controlling their sexuality to promote premarital virginity and marital fidelity.
7.3. Belief in Religious Support
Although no religious scriptures prescribe FGM, some people believe the practice has religious support. However, religious leaders hold varying positions on FGM, with some actively contributing to its abandonment.
8. What Is Medicalized FGM?
Medicalized FGM refers to the practice of FGM being performed by healthcare providers, either in a clinical setting or at home. The reasons for medicalization include:
8.1. Belief in Reduced Risk of Complications
Some healthcare providers believe that medicalized FGM carries a lower risk of complications compared to non-medicalized FGM.
8.2. Belief in Abandonment Through Medicalization
Some believe that medicalizing FGM could be a first step toward full abandonment of the practice.
8.3. Healthcare Providers as Community Members
Healthcare providers who perform FGM may be members of FGM-practicing communities and are subject to the same social norms.
8.4. Financial Incentive
In some cases, there may be a financial incentive for healthcare providers to perform the practice.
The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly discourages health workers from performing FGM and has developed a global strategy and specific materials to support the health sector and health workers in ending FGM medicalization.
9. What Is Being Done to Eliminate FGM?
Globally, there is increasing recognition of the harmful nature of FGM and concerted efforts to eliminate the practice. Key strategies and initiatives include:
9.1. International Resolutions and Conventions
The World Health Assembly passed resolution WHA61.16 in 2008 on the elimination of FGM, emphasizing the need for concerted action in all sectors, including health, education, finance, justice, and women’s affairs.
9.2. WHO’s Response
WHO supports a holistic health sector response to FGM prevention and care by developing guidance and resources for health workers to prevent FGM and manage its complications and by supporting countries in adapting and implementing these resources to local contexts. WHO also generates evidence to improve the understanding of FGM and what works to end this harmful practice.
9.3. Global Strategy Against FGM Medicalization
WHO has developed a global strategy against FGM medicalization with partner organizations and continues to support countries in its implementation.
9.4. Legislative Measures
Many countries have enacted laws prohibiting FGM, reflecting a commitment to protect the rights and health of girls and women.
9.5. Community-Based Programs
Grassroots movements and community-based programs play a crucial role in changing social norms and attitudes toward FGM.
9.6. Education and Awareness Campaigns
Educating communities about the dangers of FGM and raising awareness about its human rights implications are vital in preventing the practice.
10. Where Can I Find More Information and Support?
For more information and support related to FGM, you can refer to the following resources:
- World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO provides comprehensive information on FGM, including its health consequences and strategies for its elimination.
- UNICEF: UNICEF works to protect children from FGM and provides data, research, and resources on the issue.
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): UNFPA leads efforts to end FGM globally and offers support to affected communities.
- 28 Too Many: An organization dedicated to research and advocacy to end FGM in Africa and around the world.
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11. Frequently Asked Questions About Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the primary reason FGM is performed in communities? | FGM is often performed due to social and cultural norms, where it is seen as a rite of passage and a way to ensure a girl’s marriageability and social acceptance. |
| How does medicalization of FGM impact its prevalence? | Medicalization of FGM does not reduce its prevalence; instead, it legitimizes the practice, potentially leading to its continuation under the guise of safety. WHO strongly discourages medical professionals from performing FGM. |
| What are the long-term psychological effects of FGM? | Long-term psychological effects of FGM can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem due to the trauma and violation experienced. |
| How do international laws and conventions address FGM? | International laws and conventions condemn FGM as a violation of human rights, calling for its elimination through legal measures, education, and community involvement to protect girls and women. |
| What role do men play in ending FGM in practicing communities? | Men play a crucial role in ending FGM by supporting and advocating for its abandonment within their families and communities, challenging the social norms that perpetuate the practice. |
| How can education help in preventing FGM? | Education empowers girls and women with knowledge about their rights and the harmful effects of FGM, enabling them to make informed decisions and advocate against the practice. |
| What are the main challenges in monitoring and preventing FGM? | The main challenges include the hidden nature of the practice, cultural sensitivities, and the need for coordinated efforts among governments, communities, and international organizations. |
| How can healthcare providers contribute to the prevention of FGM? | Healthcare providers can contribute by educating patients and communities about the health risks of FGM, providing support to victims, and refusing to perform medicalized FGM. |
| What strategies are most effective in changing social norms around FGM? | Effective strategies include community-led dialogues, involving local leaders, religious figures, and families in discussions that promote the abandonment of FGM while respecting cultural values. |
| What support is available for women who have undergone FGM? | Support for women who have undergone FGM includes medical care to address physical complications, psychological counseling to cope with trauma, and legal assistance to seek justice and protection. |
12. Key Takeaways About Female Genital Mutilation
Understanding female circumcision, or FGM, is essential for global health and human rights advocacy. Here are the key points to remember:
- Definition: FGM involves procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
- Types: Classified into four main types, each involving different degrees of alteration or removal of the external genitalia.
- Health Risks: FGM has no health benefits and leads to numerous immediate and long-term health complications.
- Prevalence: Practiced in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with millions of girls and women affected.
- Reasons: Rooted in sociocultural factors, including social norms, preparation for marriage, and misconceptions about religious support.
- Medicalization: Performing FGM by healthcare providers does not reduce harm and is strongly discouraged by WHO.
- Elimination Efforts: Global efforts include international resolutions, WHO strategies, legislative measures, and community-based programs.
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