Female Genital Mutilation Julie Baumgart Molly Larsen Erin Morcomb

What is Female Genital Mutilation? Removal of all or part of….  Clitoris  Clitoral Hood  Labia Minora  Labia Majora  Sewing together of outer labia majora to create a dime or nickel-sized vaginal opening

Before and After

Types of FGM  Type 1 (Clitoridectomy) -The removal of all or part of the clitoris  Type 2 (Excision) -Removal of all of part of the labia minora  Type 3 (Infibulation/Pharaonic) -Two sides of the vulva are sewed together except for a small opening to permit the passage of urine and menstrual blood

History of Female Genital Mutilation WHEN/WHERE? DDeveloped in Islamic countries WHY? SSexuality diminished; less promiscuous  Cure insanity, epilepsy, catalepsy, hysteria DDecreased transmission of HIV/AIDS PProof of virginity, dignity, fertility SSpiritual and physical threat to baby in utero or to husband during sexual intercourse MMakes young girls less masculine

Immediate Health Risks of FGM  Hemorrhaging  Death  Septicema  Tetanus  Urinary Tract Infection  Dehydration  Fever  Gangrene  Genital Infection  Kidney Infection  Anemia  Pubic cysts/abcesses  Very painful menses  Keloid formation  Urine retention

Immediate FGM-Related Complications in Four Kenyan Districts

Long-term Health Risks of FGM  Urethral & Vaginal Stenosis  Fistula  Birth Complications  Dispareunia  Infertility  Psychological Problems  Limited choice of contraceptives  Incontinence

Chronic FGM-Related Complications Encountered by Health Providers in Kenya

Social Implications  Unlikely that they will ever marry In Sudan…  10% of women believed that having the procedure done would increase their likelihood of finding a husband  7.8% of men preferred a non- circumcised life partner

Personal Implications of Refusal of FGM  Look at labia majora, clitoris and labia minora as male sexual organs  View operation as ridding women of small penis and they are then a true woman

Religious Implications of Refusal of FGM  Majority believe that it is female responsibility to have it done to please their husband  Tightening done so that sex is more pleasureable for men (“wifely duty”)  Chastity

Reasons for Supporting FGM in Egypt, Mali, Central African Republic, and Eritrea

Relevance in Countries Outside of Africa Certain groups support the continuation of this practice for their own economic purposes Illegal in… Great Britain France Germany Sweden

Relevance of FGM in the USA  Immigration  Sex in the media- *Cosmetic Surgery (Dr )

Criminalizing FGM in the USA

What are we doing to protect women and children from FGM? Somali Debate Swedish law

What do men think and feel about this practice being done to women?  Some men enjoy the tightening from infibulation  Others are disgusted by the thought of forcible sex  Some men prefer to keep the tradition