The first known documentation of clitoridectomy was four thousand years ago in ancient civilizations in Egypt and Sudan.

The practice successfully "survived the spread of Christianity to the ruling of the Nile kingdoms in Sudan in the sixth century. Waves of Arab migration, intermarriage with the indigenous people and the influence of Islamic teachers resulted in Islam's becoming the dominant religion of northern Sudan by about 1500"(Gruenbaum 441). The close association with the historical origins of clitoridectomy and the Islamic religion might explain why some people think that Islamic law prescribes it, which it does not.

Clitoridectomy "is a deeply entrenched custom, rooted in superstition, not in religion"

Sex in most of these patriarchal societies is indeed simply for men, which is why female circumcision takes place.

There are several different forms of fem

Clearly, a campaign that combined a women's movement and policy making with changes in the roles of midwives would be most effective way to attempt to abolish this real horror that affects many women daily even in America.

While circumcision may offer some benefits to the girl, it poses many more potential health risks. There is the possibly of the girl's death if the procedure is not performed properly. There are other possible side effects as well; for example, "hemorrhaging, infection, and infertility are among the serious complications. The inability to pass urine normally, pain during sexual intercourse, and excessively difficult deliveries are common results. Although harder to measure, emotional and psychological effects may ensue."

FGM consists "of the removal of all external genitalia and in most cases infibulation.

Another key focus of interest should be a " women's movement oriented toward the basic social problems affecting young women, particularly their economic dependency, educational disadvantages, and obstacles to employment."

Clitoridectomy is considere

Some common words found in the essay are:
Preparation FGM, Mediterranean Islamic, Waves Arab, Egypt Sudan, , South America, female circumcision, lost virginity, women's movement, female circumcised, patriarchal societies, societies circumcision,
Approximate Word count = 731
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)