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Related Experiment Videos

Female genital alteration: a compromise solution.

Kavita Shah Arora1, Allan J Jacobs2

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Journal of Medical Ethics
|February 24, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Non-therapeutic female genital alteration (FGA) prevalence remains unchanged despite advocacy. A new categorization of FGA by effect, distinguishing de minimis procedures, may protect children while respecting cultural differences.

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Area of Science:

  • Medical Ethics
  • Public Health
  • Human Rights Law

Background:

  • Non-therapeutic female genital alteration (FGA) persists globally despite decades of advocacy.
  • Educational interventions have shown limited success in reducing FGA prevalence in established regions.
  • Current approaches fail to adequately protect female minors from FGA's serious long-term harms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a revised categorization of non-therapeutic FGA based on procedural effects rather than methods.
  • To advocate for a nuanced approach that distinguishes between de minimis and more harmful FGA procedures.
  • To inform public health policy and medical practice regarding FGA in minors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on FGA prevalence and harms.
Keywords:
CircumcisionNewborns and MinorsSexuality/GenderSurgery

Related Experiment Videos

  • Development of a new classification system for FGA procedures.
  • Analysis of ethical, cultural, and human rights implications of different FGA types.

    • Main Results:

    • A spectrum of FGA procedures exists, with varying medical risks.
    • De minimis FGA procedures, generally without long-term medical risks, can be culturally sensitive and non-discriminatory.
    • More harmful FGA procedures pose significant health risks and should be prohibited.

    Conclusions:

    • A revised FGA categorization by effect is crucial for child protection.
    • Accepting de minimis FGA offers a culturally sensitive compromise for practitioners.
    • This nuanced approach balances cultural respect with the imperative to protect female children's health and rights.