Female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the removal or alternation of female genitals as part of a religious or social custom, on a woman or girl that does not, or cannot consent to the procedure. As a result of pressure by many organisations FGM is now illegal in most nations. Many nations have laws that prohibit that removal of a woman or girl to another nation for the purposes of performing FGM. Contrast to male genital mutilation which remains legal throughout the world. Recent legislative changes in the US may open the door to FGM.

Like MGM, FGM has been shown to reduce HIV infection rates but we do not see calls for widespread genital mutilation of women on this basis. Researchers note that the link between FGM and lower HIV rates is likely a result of confounding factors but apparently never consider that this could also be true for the link between MGM and HIV.

Both Intactivists and MRAs object to all forms of genital mutilation.

See Also

• Male genital mutilation
• Intactivism

External Links

• Female circumcision HIV prevention
• Scholar Works