Female genital cutting (FGC) is a procedure that is performed on the genital tissue of a female ranging in age from infancy to adulthood. It can be as little as a small nick or as much as the removal of all the tissue. The practice is viewed by some as a traditional rite of passage and by others as an unnecessary, painful, and harmful procedure that can leave a female with physical and psychological problems and can even result in death.
FGC is referred to by a variety of other names, from broad terms such as female genital mutilation or female circumcision to terms that more precisely reflect what is being done, such as excision, clitoridectomy, or infibulation. The altering or removal of female genital tissue is usually done in nonmedical settings—with unhygienic conditions and without anesthesia. The cutting of the genital tissue may be performed with broken pieces of glass, razor blades, knives, scalpels, or scissors. In infibulation, the vaginal orifice is also sewn or otherwise sealed shut.
Medical complications from FGC are common. Immediate concerns after the procedure has been performed include fever, debilitating pain, bleeding, infection, and even death. Long-term complications include urinary and menstrual problems, scarring, painful sexual intercourse, and difficulties in giving birth that can lead to the death of the mother and the child. Psychologically, it can leave the girl or woman with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, among other problems.
FGC is often associated with religious tradition, even though no religious doctrine requires it. It is a cultural tradition in many societies where gender inequality is ingrained, and it most commonly occurs in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and, to a lesser extent, South America. FGC also occurs in countries where the diaspora from the aforementioned regions have made a home.
The United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have led efforts to ban FGC. In particular, two UN programs—the UNPFA and UNICEF—and WHO have called it a human rights issue, stating that it is a harmful and unnecessary procedure, and have campaigned vociferously for every girl and woman to have the right to be protected from such harm.