What is FGM?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a destructive procedure in which the female genitals are partially or completely removed or injured.
This is intended to prevent the woman's sexual lust. The mutilation usually takes place before puberty, often in girls between the ages of four and eight, and now also increasingly in babies who are only a few days, weeks or months old.
WHAT TYPES OF FGM ARE THERE?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 4 forms of FGM:
Type 1 + type 2 - 80 per cent
Type 1: Excision of the clitoral hood (Sunna circumcision) and the clitoris or parts thereof.
Type 2: Excision of the clitoral hood, the clitoris and the labia minora or parts thereof.
Type 2: Excision of the clitoral hood, the clitoris and the labia minora or parts thereof.
Type 3 - 15 per cent
Type 3: Cutting out parts or all of the external genitals (infibulation, also known as pharaonic circumcision). The stumps of the labia minora are then stitched together, leaving only a tiny opening so that urine and menstrual blood can drain away. The scar has to be opened again before sexual intercourse and childbirth, which causes additional pain. Infibulation is particularly widespread in the Horn of Africa and its neighbouring regions - for example in Somalia, Djibouti and Eritrea, as well as in northern Sudan and southern Egypt. It is the worst form of FGM.
Type 4 - 5 per cent
Type 4: Any other procedure in which the female genitals are injured or circumcised. Puncturing, piercing, cutting or stretching of the clitoris or labia, including scarring by burns, scraping of the vaginal opening or insertion of corrosive substances or herbs to constrict the vagina.
WHO CARRIES OUT THE PROCEDURE?
As a rule, it is professional circumcisers who carry out the procedure and who are highly respected socially in the communities due to their work. However, FGM is also carried out by traditional birth attendants or midwives, more rarely by healers, or nurses and doctors trained in Western medicine. The procedure is usually carried out without anaesthetic and under catastrophic hygienic conditions.
THE INSTRUMENTS OF CIRCUMCISION
- Razor blades
- Scissors
- Knives
- Broken glass
WHERE IS FGM PRACTISED?
Female genital mutilation occurs mainly in Africa, particularly in north-east, east and west Africa. However, it also occurs in the Middle East and South East Asia - and among immigrants in Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
According to estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 250 million women worldwide are affected. Every year, another four million girls fall victim to mutilation. In Europe, there are well over one million girls and women who have been mutilated or are at risk of FGM. Of these, 200,000 live in Great Britain, 150,000 in France and 100,000 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
As these are estimates, the number of unreported cases is likely to be much higher. The girls and women affected are migrants whose families brought this practice with them to Europe in the course of immigration.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF FGM?
Female genital mutilation has serious health consequences. Immediately after the procedure, severe bleeding, inflammation, tetanus, bladder paralysis or blood poisoning can occur - consequences that are often fatal. HIV can also be transmitted via uncleaned instruments.
In addition to the psychological trauma caused by the procedure and the loss of sexual sensitivity, victims often complain of pain when urinating and during menstruation in the long term. Sitting or walking can become an ordeal due to clothing rubbing against the scars or pressure points appearing. Cysts, abscesses, bladder infections and incontinence can occur. Infertility is also one of the possible long-term consequences. Sexual intercourse is often perceived as painful.
The birth of a child can lead to increased bleeding and tissue tears. The birth can take longer than usual and caesarean sections are common.