Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other non-medical alterations to the female genital organs. Recognized as a severe violation of human rights, FGM poses numerous health risks for girls and women. This article explores the different types of FGM, its immediate and long-term complications, cultural factors driving the practice, and the global efforts to eliminate FGM.
Types of FGM:
FGM is classified into four major types:
Type 1: Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood.
Type 2: Partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora.
Type 3 (Infibulation): Narrowing the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal, often involving cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora.
Type 4: All other harmful procedures for non-medical purposes, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.
Health Risks and Complications:
FGM has no health benefits and can result in severe health complications, both immediate and long-term. Immediate complications include severe pain, excessive bleeding, infections, urinary problems, and even death. Long-term consequences encompass urinary and vaginal problems, scar tissue, sexual issues, and increased risks during childbirth.
Global Impact:
FGM is prevalent in various regions, affecting young girls between infancy and adolescence and, occasionally, adult women. More than 200 million girls and women globally have undergone FGM, with over 3 million girls estimated to be at risk annually. It is a violation of human rights and reflects deeply rooted gender inequality, constituting an extreme form of discrimination.
Cultural Factors:
The reasons behind the practice of FGM vary across regions and communities. Social norms, the need for acceptance, and fear of rejection often drive the perpetuation of FGM. It is considered a social convention in some societies, tied to controlling female sexuality and preparing girls for adulthood and marriage. While some associate it with religious beliefs, no religious scripts prescribe the practice.
Medicalization of FGM:
In some instances, health care providers are involved in performing FGM due to misconceptions about reduced risks and potential financial incentives. WHO strongly urges health care providers not to perform FGM, advocating for its complete abandonment.
Global Response:
The World Health Assembly passed a resolution in 2008 emphasizing the need for concerted action across sectors to eliminate FGM. WHO supports a comprehensive health sector response, providing guidance for health workers to prevent FGM, manage complications, and generate evidence to understand and combat this harmful practice.
Conclusion:
FGM remains a significant global health challenge, requiring collaborative efforts to eradicate the practice and protect the rights and well-being of girls and women. Ongoing initiatives focus on education, advocacy, and comprehensive health interventions to bring about the abandonment of FGM worldwide.
