Female genital mutilation (FGM), sometimes called “female cutting” or “female circumcision”, is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as comprising “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitals, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”.
FGM is sometimes called “female circumcision.” FGM is not the same as male circumcision. The practice has no health benefits and can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems. The reasons given for performing FGM encompass beliefs about health, women’s sexuality, and community and adulthood initiation rites.
FGM is against the law in the United States.
