Female Circumssion

Female circumcision also known as Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by the World Health Organization as all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Although it is originally an African traditional practice it has spread to many parts of the Arabian peninsula. There is evidence that Female Circumcision is practiced in Saudi Arabia, Southern Jordan, Northern Iraq, Syria, Western Iran and Egypt and has the support of some Islamic scholars in all these countries. The WHO has offered four classifications of FGM. The main three are Type I, partial or total removal of the clitoris, Type II, removal of the clitoris and inner labia; and Type III (infibulation), removal of all or part of the inner and outer labia, and usually the clitoris, and the fusion of the wound, leaving a small hole for the passage of urine and menstrual blood—the fused wound is opened for intercourse and childbirth. Around 85 percent of women who undergo FGM experience Types I and II, and 15 percent Type III. FGM is typically carried out on girls from a few days old to puberty. It may take place in a hospital, but is usually performed, without anesthesia, by a traditional circumciser using a knife, razor, or scissors.

The WHO estimates that 100–140 million women and girls around the world have experienced the procedure. The practice is carried out by communities who believe it reduces a woman’s libido and that helps a woman stay “pure”. FGM is considered by its practitioners to be an essential part of raising a girl properly. They are regarded as having been cleansed. They believe it ensures pre-marital virginity and inhibits extra-marital sex, because it reduces women’s sex drive. I believe this practice has no place in today’s society regardless of which country it being done in. Governments of all countries should unite to fight this injustice. We in the West take child abuse so seriously yet do not punish the parents who make their daughters get Female circumcision while living here.