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Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Culture & Health

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Culture & Health. Ahoua Koné, JD, MPH. Seattle Immigration & Family Law Group, P.S. Health Alliance International Cote d’Ivoire Projects. February 2012. Classification. (4 types: 0-III or I-IV) Type 0: Symbolic act

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Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Culture & Health

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  1. Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Culture & Health Ahoua Koné, JD, MPH Seattle Immigration & Family Law Group, P.S. Health Alliance International Cote d’Ivoire Projects February 2012

  2. Classification (4 types: 0-III or I-IV) Type 0: Symbolic act Type I (Sunna) : Clitoridectomy - Partial or complete removal of clitoris Type II (Excision): Removal of clitoris + inner labia Type III (Infibulation): Removal of clitoris + both inner & outer labia + stitching

  3. FGC or FGM: what is it? • Ancestral Cultural Practice? • Moral outrage? • Rite of passage? • Health hazard? • Brutal/barbaric practice? • Human rights violation?

  4. Reasons for practicing FGC/M? Culture? Right of passage? Increase chances for marriage? Religion? Preserve of female virginity? Control /enhance sexuality? Esthetic / beautify the girl or woman? Cleanliness? Prevention of diseases? Unknown?

  5. FGC by Country and Age Prevalence Among Younger and Older Women Percent Source: DHS STATcompiler: accessed online at www.measuredhs.com/statcompiler on July 21, 2004.

  6. Health Consequences • Short term • Severe pain • Hemorrhage • Infections • Urine retention • Long term – varies greatly according to type • UTI • Obstetric complications • Sexual dysfunction • Psychological problems • Death

  7. How do we address FGC/M? Medicalization? Rescue centers? Criminalization? Eradication Policy development? Health Education? Advocacy? General Female Education? Cross-Cultural Interventions?

  8. How do we address FGC/M? • Narrow approaches do not work • Instead, we must create the “right conditions” at the global level: • “conditions that include the involvement of community and religious leaders, legislative reform and discussions about FGM/C should be framed in a way to reinforce positive aspects of local culture and builds community trust by implementing development projects addressing community needs ”. (UNICEF)

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