Genital cutting, female

Abstract

Female genital cutting, or female circumcision, is primarily practiced in about 30 African countries. It is labeled “female genital mutilation” by the WHO. Motives vary considerably between groups. Various theoretical explanations behind the origin and continued practice of female circumcision have been offered. The radical feminist view has gained much public attention. The practice is criminalized in many parts of the world and there are campaigns against it on a global level. Female circumcision results in immediate medical consequences, although whether there are considerable long-term adverse effects for health and sexuality has been contested. In recent years female circumcision has been compared to practices of genital alterations that are accepted in the United States and European countries.