History of Female Circumcision
Female circumcision, or 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." FGM is primarily practiced in many African nations and around 100-140 million females have had the procedure performed on them.
This medical procedure traces its origins to both Ancient Rome and Egypt and is based on the desire to raise a girl wholesomely in order to ensure the girl is a virgin when married. The reason for carrying out this process has kept relatively stable since its inception. The procedure is interpreted as a female's rite of passage while simultaneously protecting a girl's future marriage prospects as she will be unable to participate in extra-marital sexual relations. The process is not tied to any religion, although many believe it is tied to Islamic practices. Indeed, FGM crosses religious boundaries and affects women of all nationalities and belief systems.
While the procedure is oftentimes performed in hospitals now that many African countries have enacted legislation against the unhygienic and unsafe performance of the procedure, FGM has historically been performed with no anesthetic, lack of sterile tools (usually one razor blade is used for hundreds of procedures), and lack of proper after-care. Therefore, many females are at risk for severe hemorrhaging, infection, pain during urination, problems during pregnancy, and psychological trauma.
Currently, females are still relatively silenced regarding the procedure; however, many international organizations and governments have passed laws prohibiting the procedure and protecting the human rights of individuals faced with this process. Indeed, many communities still view the process as traditional and non-harmful, while others view it as a blatant violation of human rights.
Information Taken From:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/female-genital-cutting.cfm#e
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/
This medical procedure traces its origins to both Ancient Rome and Egypt and is based on the desire to raise a girl wholesomely in order to ensure the girl is a virgin when married. The reason for carrying out this process has kept relatively stable since its inception. The procedure is interpreted as a female's rite of passage while simultaneously protecting a girl's future marriage prospects as she will be unable to participate in extra-marital sexual relations. The process is not tied to any religion, although many believe it is tied to Islamic practices. Indeed, FGM crosses religious boundaries and affects women of all nationalities and belief systems.
While the procedure is oftentimes performed in hospitals now that many African countries have enacted legislation against the unhygienic and unsafe performance of the procedure, FGM has historically been performed with no anesthetic, lack of sterile tools (usually one razor blade is used for hundreds of procedures), and lack of proper after-care. Therefore, many females are at risk for severe hemorrhaging, infection, pain during urination, problems during pregnancy, and psychological trauma.
Currently, females are still relatively silenced regarding the procedure; however, many international organizations and governments have passed laws prohibiting the procedure and protecting the human rights of individuals faced with this process. Indeed, many communities still view the process as traditional and non-harmful, while others view it as a blatant violation of human rights.
Information Taken From:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/female-genital-cutting.cfm#e
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/