Female genital mutilation

[Mary Mallozziberg]

Female genital mutilation is ritual removal of part or all of the external genitals.
The female external genitals include the clitoris (a small bump on the female genitals that is sensitive to sexual stimulation),the labia (the fleshy folds or lips of tissue that enclose and protect the genital organs), and the hymen (a thin membrane that encircles the opening of the vagina).
Female genital mutilation is practiced routinely in parts of Africa (usually northern or central Africa), where it is deeply ingrained in some cultures. Mutilation is also practiced in some parts of the Middle East. This practice is reportedly done because women who experience sexual pleasure are considered impossible to control, are shunned, and cannot be married.
The average age of girls who undergo mutilation is 7 years, and mutilation is done without anesthesia. There are four main types of female genital mutilation defined by the World Health Organization:

Clitoridectomy: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and, in very rare cases, only the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris (called the prepuce or clitoral hood)
Excision: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora (small lips), with or without removal of the labia majora (large lips)
Infibulation: Removal of the clitoris and labia, usually followed by sewing the remaining tissue closed except for a small opening for menses and urine
Other: All other harmful procedures done to the female genitals for nonmedical purposes (such as pricking, piercing, carving [incising], scraping, and cauterizing the genital area)

Consequences of genital mutilation include bleeding and infection (including tetanus). Females who have been infibulated may possibly have recurring urinary and gynecologic infections and scarring. Females who become pregnant after mutilation may have severe bleeding (hemorrhage) during childbirth. Psychologic problems may be severe.
Female genital mutilation may be decreasing due to the influence of religious leaders who have spoken out against the practice and growing opposition in some communities.

[Sonia]

the practice of cutting away parts of a girls or womans outer sex organs for traditional or religious reasons: