ABBR: FGM

Partial or complete surgical removal of the clitoris, a traditional practice in some African, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian cultures. The cutting usually is performed between the ages of 1 week and 14 years. The procedure is performed by nonmedical personnel without benefit of anesthesia or sterile conditions. The most common procedures are removal of the clitoral prepuce, excision of the clitoris, removal of the labia minora and sometimes most of the labia majora. The two sides may be sutured together to occlude the vagina. Possible immediate complications include infection, tetanus, shock, hemorrhage, and death. The possible long-term physical and mental disabilities include chronic pelvic infection, keloids, vulvar abscesses, sterility, incontinence, depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and obstetric complications.

Since the 1970s there has been an international effort to eradicate FGM, and in 2012 the U.N. General Assembly voted unanimously that all necessary steps be taken to end it. FGM has been outlawed in most of the countries in which it occurs, but the laws are poorly enforced. Immigrants have brought FGM to North America, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand . FGM has been banned and criminalized by all of these nations.

SYN: female circumcision; female genital cutting; sunna circumcision.

SEE: infibulation (2).