Female_Genital_Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation Introduction Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a destructive, invasive procedure that is usually performed on girls before puberty. It is primarily a cultural practice that started in Africa approximately 2000 years ago, not a religious practice, however, some religions do include FGM as part of their practices. “This practice is so well ingrained into these cultures, it defines members of these cultures. In order to eliminate the practice one must eliminate the cultural belief that a girl will not become a woman without this procedure.” (Internet I) Why is FGM practiced' The mutilating operation is often associated mainly with the religion of Islam. This is not correct. “FGM is primarily a social practice, not a religious one”. (Internet II) Custom and tradition are by far the most frequently cited reasons for FGM. Along with other physical or behavioral characteristics, FGM defines who is in the group. This is more frequent where FGM is part of the initiation into adulthood. FGM is often deemed necessary in order to be considered a complete woman. The belief that FGM reduces a woman’s desire for sex, therefore reducing the chance of sex outside marriage, is another important reason. The ability of fgm, women, operation, girls, practice, one, done, side, procedure, prevent, internet, include, years, woman, various, procedures, part, order, mutilation, held, hannah, genital, forced, cultures, cases, after, without, urine, two, tradition, told, time, strong, small, sexual, sex, religious, primarily, prepuce, people, pain, often, necessary, naked, mutilated, moving, long-term, lack, items, infections