Female genital mutilation - meaning and definition
AlsoFGMfemale genital cuttingFGM/Cfemale circumcision
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Female genital mutilation (FGM) covers procedures that injure or remove part of the external female genitals for non-medical reasons. It has no health benefits and is recognised internationally as a human rights violation.
At a glance
- FGM covers procedures that injure or remove part of the external female genitals for non-medical reasons.
- It has no health benefits and is recognised internationally as a human rights violation.
- The WHO estimates that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone it.
- It can cause severe pain, bleeding, infections, childbirth complications and lasting psychological harm.
- FGM is illegal in many countries, and specialist clinics offer care to survivors.
In detail
FGM is mostly carried out on young girls, and the WHO estimates that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone it. It can cause severe pain, bleeding, infections, problems with urination and menstruation, complications in childbirth, and lasting psychological harm.
FGM is illegal in many countries. Specialist clinics offer physical and emotional care to survivors, including in some places surgery to reverse certain types. Anyone who believes a girl is at risk can contact local child protection services or police.
In a sentence
- The specialist clinic offers physical and emotional support to women affected by FGM.
- The training taught teachers what to do if they believe a girl is at risk of female genital mutilation.
Where the word comes from
The term female genital mutilation gained wide use from the 1990s, when international bodies adopted it. Some communities and services prefer female genital cutting, especially when working directly with survivors.
Not to be confused with
- Circumcision
Male circumcision is a different procedure with a separate medical and ethical debate.
Common questions
Why is FGM considered a human rights violation?
It is carried out for non-medical reasons, mostly on young girls who cannot consent, has no health benefits and can cause serious lifelong harm. The WHO and other international bodies recognise it as a violation of the rights of girls and women.
Where can survivors of FGM get help?
Specialist clinics offer physical and emotional care, and in some places surgery to reverse certain types. A doctor or sexual health clinic can refer you. Anyone who believes a girl is at risk can contact local child protection services or the police.