Increase in medical FGM

alling for stepped-up efforts against the traditional practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sounded the alarm recently against a new trend -- parents using health-care workers to perform cuttings, in the belief that medical problems can be minimized.

In an appeal for the International Day Against FGM, observed on 6 February, UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid voiced concern about what she dubbed the “medicalization” of the practice. Some 3 million girls worldwide face the threat of undergoing FGM each year and an estimated 120 to 140 million women have already been subject to the practice, which leaves lasting physical and psychological scars and increases the risks of problems during childbirth.

Enhancing awareness about the physical risks posed by FGM has led more and more parents to turn to health-care professionals to carry out the cutting in clinical settings in the belief that it will be safer for the girl.

A study released by the United Nations in 2006 found that pregnant mothers are far more likely to experience serious complications, such as the need to have caesarean section or dangerously heavy bleeding after the birth. The death rates among babies at birth and immediately after is also much higher, in some cases by as much as 55 per cent.

Ms. Obaid warned that younger and younger girls are being subjected to the practice by parents to reduce complaints or the possibility that they will refuse to participate.
“Contrary to popular belief, FGM or cutting is not required by any religion. In fact, many religious leaders and scholars and faith-based organizations from around the world have called for the practice to be banned”, she said.
(Source: UN News Centre, 6 February)