Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a condition that may be explained in several ways. From a pathological perspective, FGM is a partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, however, for non-medical reasons (“Female genital mutilation,” 2020). Such a procedure has no benefits for women’s health; vice versa, it may cause numerous urinary complications and infections. A cultural perspective explains female genital mutilation as a frequent event among African cultures for traditional purposes that has spread worldwide (Awolola & Ilupeju, 2019). FGM is a controversial issue that caused discussions among scholars; thus, this paper will debate on the acceptance of such measures in modern society.
Female genital mutilation is executed without any medical impairings and involves the removal of certain parts of female genitalia that is explained by traditional circumstances in certain communities, mostly African. FGM is globally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women (“Female genital mutilation,” 2020). Such a procedure is not accepted by the World Health Organization, which urges the healthcare providers to refrain from performing such operations.
Even though the procedure is an old religious obligation for various sanctuary reasons, with the development of modern medicine, the beliefs started to shift. The high fatality rates and chances of developing dangerous diseases caused various opposition, but little results were achieved. Therefore, even though FGM is a traditional procedure, existing for centuries, it is a direct violation of women’s and child rights, which must be stopped or correctly regulated. Female genital mutilation is a devastating health issue that endeavors under the pretense of cultural and religious dogmas, which must be stopped. All women and girls must be released from such forms of discrimination and torture against their will, and preventive measures to achieve gender equality must be immediately induced.
References
Awolola, O. O., & Ilupeju, N. A. (2019). Female genital mutilation; culture, religion, and medicalization, where do we direct our searchlights for it eradication: Nigeria as a case study. Tzu-Chi Medical Journal, 31(1), 1–4. Web.
Female genital mutilation. (2020). World Health Organization. Web.