Fgm: Important Custom or Barbaric Tradition?

In nearly 30 African countries, some parts of Asia, and the Middle East, and among certain, immigrant communities in North American and Europe, female infants, girls, or young women may undergo female genital cutting (FCG) also known as female genital mutilation or female circumcision. (Yarber, Sayad, & Strong, 2010) While this custom may be deemed as barbaric to outsiders, for those who practice this custom it is deemed as tradition. So the question remains is this an important custom or is it inhumane, the answer depends on an individual’s perspective. I believe this custom is outdated, inhumane, and has serious health implications. As a woman, I can’t begin to imagine how these young girls and women feel during and after this procedure is performed. There are no medical benefits to having this procedure done. Many westerners see this custom as an extreme form of discrimination against women. First, I will define key terms for my argument, and then I will provide some background history on FGM. Next, I will outline the important positions of the argument surrounding FGM and explain why I support the elimination of this custom. Lastly, I will consider the argument for FGM practices, and discuss why the reasons behind FGM are outdated.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. (World Health Organization , 2012) This procedure is usually conducted on young females from infancy to young adulthood. It may also be conducted in a hospital, although typically conducted without the use of anesthesia and in unsanitary conditions by a traditional circumciser. This procedure is done in some parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia. According to the World Health Organization about 140 million girls and women are living with the consequences caused by FGM. Female Genital Mutilation...