female genital mutilation
Also known as FGM, female genital cutting, female circumcision, genital mutilation, FGM/C, clitoridotomy
ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia
AI overview
Female genital mutilation is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia, a practice that occurs in certain communities around the world. It matters because it can cause serious physical and psychological harm to girls and women, and is considered a violation of human rights by international health and human rights organizations.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Research
4,641 papers- Female genital mutilation/cutting: going beyond urogynecologic complications and obstetric outcomes.ReviewArchives of gynecology and obstetrics · 2023Libretti A, Bianco G, Corsini C et al.DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06929-6
- Female genital mutilation - An overview for forensic practitioners.ReviewJournal of forensic and legal medicine · 2024Byard RW, Behnia-Willison FDOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102624
- Female genital mutilation.ReviewInternational journal of STD & AIDS · 1997Fox EF, de Ruiter A, Bingham JSDOI: 10.1258/0956462971918779
- Female genital mutilation in high-income countries: knowledge and experience among health professionals.Review
Article
Female genital mutilation (FGM) (also known as female genital cutting, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and female circumcision) is the cutting or removal of some or all of the vulva for non-medical reasons. FGM prevalence varies worldwide, but is significantly present in some countries of Africa, Asia, and Middle East, and within their diasporas. As of 2024, UNICEF estimates that worldwide 230 million girls and women (144 million in Africa, 80 million in Asia, 6 million in Middle East, and 1-2 million in other parts of the world) had been subjected to one or more types of FGM.
Typically carried out by a traditional cutter using a blade, FGM is conducted from days after birth to puberty and beyond. In half of the countries for which national statistics are available, most girls are cut before the age of five. Procedures differ according to the country or ethnic group. They include removal of the clitoral hood (type 1-a) and clitoral glans (1-b); removal of the inner labia (2-a); and removal of the inner and outer labia and closure of the vulva (type 3). In this last procedure, known as infibulation, a small hole is left for the passage of urine and menstrual fluid, the vagina is opened for intercourse and opened further for childbirth. FGM is commonly performed without any form of anesthesia or analgesia and with non-medical equipment such as razor blades.