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| The forms of female genital mutilation | The forms of female genital mutilation |
| (7 months later) | |
| Female genital mutilation is the permanent partial or entire removal of the female genitals, most often performed on young girls before they reach puberty. FGM is a traditional practice prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in some Asian and Middle Eastern countries. As a result of migration, FGM now occurs in the UK, where although it is illegal, there have not yet been any prosecutions. FGM is not fundamentally a religious issue, but a cultural one. | Female genital mutilation is the permanent partial or entire removal of the female genitals, most often performed on young girls before they reach puberty. FGM is a traditional practice prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in some Asian and Middle Eastern countries. As a result of migration, FGM now occurs in the UK, where although it is illegal, there have not yet been any prosecutions. FGM is not fundamentally a religious issue, but a cultural one. |
| FGM can lead to severe bleeding, pain, infertility, complete loss of sensitivity, recurring infections and urine retention. It can also have serious long-term psychological consequences. | FGM can lead to severe bleeding, pain, infertility, complete loss of sensitivity, recurring infections and urine retention. It can also have serious long-term psychological consequences. |
| In some cases, FGM is lethal. It has no health benefits and surgery can be required in later life to open or seal the vagina. There are three main types of female genital mutilation. It is traditionally performed without anaesthetic. | In some cases, FGM is lethal. It has no health benefits and surgery can be required in later life to open or seal the vagina. There are three main types of female genital mutilation. It is traditionally performed without anaesthetic. |
| Type 1: Clitoridectomy | Type 1: Clitoridectomy |
| This involves partial or complete cutting of the clitoris, the most sensitive part of the genitals. On rare occasions, only the fold of skin around the clitoris is cut, which is called the prepuce. This procedure requires a great deal of skill and precision, which can be impossible if the victim is not under anaesthetic. | |
| Type 2: Excision | Type 2: Excision |
| In this case, the clitoris is cut off and so are the inner lips (the labia minora) and in some cases the outer lips (labia majora) as well. | |
| Type 3: Infibulation | Type 3: Infibulation |
| Some or all of the external parts of the genitals are cut off or repositioned. The opening of the vagina is narrowed and sealed by sewing or stapling together the two sides of the vulva. A very small single opening remains through which urine and menstrual fluid must pass. | |
| Aside from the three main types, a further fourth type encompasses any other non-medical incision, piercing, scraping or pricking of the genitalia. | |
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