Female Genital Mutilation
ABSTRACT: 4 to 5 million girls are at risk for Female Genital Mutilation every year and is shown to have negative consequences on the child's physical and psychological well being, as well as increase behavioral problems. Many myths surround FGM and may perpetuate the cycle. FGM has been abolished on the federal level in the United States, however is still legal in many African and Middle Eastern countries. Every year approximately 4 to 5 million young girls and infants will have been circumcised through a process called Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (AAP, 1998). It is believed that as of 1998, 137 million women had undergone this procedure, with several more girls at risk (Bosch, 2001). The purpose of this paper is to discuss what takes place during the actual procedure of FGM and how FGM harms a child both physically and psychologically. The common myths and laws surrounding FGM are also discussed. FGM is practiced in both developed and undeveloped countries. As recently as the 1940's, FGM was being performed on girls in the United States for a variety of conditions, such as frequent masturbation, lesbianism, and h
Bosch, X. (2001). Female Genital Mutilation in Developed Countries. The Lancet, October 6, 2001. Dandash, K.F., Eyada, M., Refaat, A.H. (2001). Female Genital Mutilation: A Prospective View. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 27, 459-464. There are many common myths surrounding FGM that may increase the likelihood of women circumcising their little girls throughout the generations. One is that little girl's genitals are dirty and will keep growing if they are not circumcised. Another myth is that FGM decreases the likelihood that a girl will die during childbirth, going as far as to say it will prevent it all together. It is also believed to make conception easier. Many people also believe that wherever FGM is practiced, it is because it is mandated by their religion. However, FGM is often practiced out of fear of being criticized by family or surrounding community. Often, out of fear for criticism, a family will inform others that their child has been circumcised, possibly slightly cutting or altering the genitals (French 100-101).
Some common words found in the essay are:
FGM AAP, FGM FGM, Genital Mutilation, Western Sudan, Justification FGM, Discussion Current, Middle Eastern, Iraq Sarkis, female genital, Female Genital, female genital mutilation, genital mutilation, Retrieved October, epstein 2001, sarkis 2001, surrounding fgm, aap 1998, 2001 female, 2001 female genital, fgm practiced, physical psychological, practice fgm, 2 2002 world, 2002 world wide, retrieved october 2,
Approximate Word count = 1307
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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