Female Circumcision
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2,000 years ago. ... FGM, the removal of all or just certain parts of the external parts of the female genitalia, is an invasive procedure that is normally done on girls before puberty. ... There are three varieties to this procedure: Sunna circumcision, clitoridectomy, and infibulation. Sunna circumcision is the removal of the tip of the clitoris and/or its covering, the prepuce. ... Infibulation, also known as pharaonic circumcision, is a clitoridectomy followed by sewing up of the vulva. ... The origin of female circumcision is unknown, but there is evidence that show that FGM was practiced ever since ancient Egypt. ... Female circumcision is considered to be an extremely dangerous and painful procedure that can cause infection and severe bleeding, and can probably lead to death. ... For this reason, the question, “Why is female circumcision still practiced? ... Some cultures believe that female (and male) should be circumcised because it is a procedure that is necessary to be performed in order to convert a child into a real woman (or man). Female circumcision is often thought of to purify and to protect the next generation from dangerous outside influences. ... Anthropologists argue that women most probably have female circumcision to follow with their traditions, to enhance their femininity and beauty, to discourage the activity of masturbation, and to protect female “purity” and the society’s honor. ... Female circumcision limits the possible enjoyment level of sex for women, but the biggest problem is that it brings about many physical effects. ... Many anthropologists argue that they should work to eliminate the practice of female circumcision. ... In his piece of work, he described how FGM is violating individual’s freedom of choice, especially children’s, because those who are a victim of this practice have no right to choose in whether or not they want to perform female circumcision.