Female circumcision: Limiting the harm (Previously titled: Female Genital Cutting is a Harmful Practice. Where is the Evidence?) [version 1; peer review: 2 approved]

Objective: To review the strength of evidence that links many health hazards to female genital cutting. Material and methods: Literature search in Medline/Pubmed and Google scholar. Results: Female genital cutting is still practiced secretly in both underdeveloped and developed countries due to prev...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:F1000 research 2012-10, Vol.1
Main Author: Kandil, Mohamed
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Epidemiology
Global Health
Health Systems & Services Research
Psychological Challenges & Issues for Women
Social & Behavioral Determinants of Health
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Objective: To review the strength of evidence that links many health hazards to female genital cutting. Material and methods: Literature search in Medline/Pubmed and Google scholar. Results: Female genital cutting is still practiced secretly in both underdeveloped and developed countries due to prevailing strong traditional beliefs. There is insufficient evidence to support the claims that genital cutting is a harmful procedure if performed by experienced personnel in a suitable theatre with facilities for pain control and anesthesia. Cutting, however, is advised not to go beyond type I. Conclusion: Law makers around the globe are invited to review the legal situation in relation to female genital cutting. Proper counseling of parents about possible risks is a must in order to make informed decision about circumcising their daughters. The procedure should be offered to parents who insist on it; otherwise, they will do it illegally, exposing their daughters to possible complications.
ISSN:2046-1402
2046-1402
DOI:10.12688/f1000research.1-23.v1