Female genital mutilation

Genital mutilation of females constitutes a significant health hazard to the emotional and psychological status of women in many parts of the world. The anthropologic, cultural and social rationale for this custom is complex and case specific. The practice of female circumcision is nearly world-wide in its distribution and the extent of the genital alteration varies widely. Attitudes regarding a woman's role in society impact strongly on the acceptance and perpetration of this practice. Health care workers in the western world are encountering female circumcision as world travel becomes more frequently available for Third World citizens. Over 25 per cent of women subjected to the more severe forms of circumcision, i.e., "Pharaonic," suffer serious physical complications. The current status and remedial measures being undertaken in the Sudan and Somalia are reviewed. The question of, why is there any form of genital mutilation for either sex, is raised.