Female Genital Mutilation

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the deeply rooted traditional practice of female genital mutilation and the dangerous health risks and lifelong medical consequences which often result in women and young girls who undergo this procedure. This paper details the surgical procedure involved in removing parts of the female genitalia which varies, depending on tradition and culture. This paper delves into the various religions and cultures which encourage this procedure. This paper analyzes the cultural aspect of female genital mutilation from the point of view of women who view the procedure as something positive they are doing "for" their daughters and not "to" them. The writer contends and discusses the fact that although Muslims claim female genital mutilation is commanded in Islam there is in fact no specific support for this claim in the Koran.

From the Paper:

"Many religious and cultural issues foster female genital mutilation, and although some proponents of the practice claim that it is required by Islam, there is no specific support for this claim in the Koran. From a cultural perspective, women view the procedure as something they do "for' their daughters instead of 'to" them, as a means of securing their economic and social future through marriage. The genital scar provides proof for the prospective husband that this woman has been trained in moral and practical responsibilities and has maintained her virginity. The procedure is carried out at various ages, ranging from birth to during the first pregnancy, however, it is most commonly performed between the ages of four and eight."

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