Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Despite being internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, this harmful practice persists in various communities across the globe, including certain groups in India.
What is Female Genital Mutilation
FGM encompasses all procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs. The World Health Organization classifies FGM into four types, ranging from partial clitoridectomy to the most severe form involving infibulation, where the vaginal opening is narrowed.
The practice is typically performed on girls between infancy and age 15, though in some cases it may be carried out on adult women. Traditional practitioners or, increasingly in some regions, healthcare providers perform these procedures, often without anesthesia and in unhygienic conditions.
The Practice in India
While FGM is often associated with certain African and Middle Eastern countries, it also occurs in India, particularly within the Dawoodi Bohra community, a Shia Muslim sect concentrated in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and other states. The practice, known locally as "khatna" or "khafz," is typically performed on girls between the ages of seven and ten.
Community advocates and survivors have increasingly spoken out against the practice in recent years, bringing attention to what was previously a closely guarded secret. The exact prevalence remains difficult to determine due to the clandestine nature of the practice and lack of official data collection.
Health Consequences
FGM has no health benefits and causes numerous immediate and long-term complications. The severity of health impacts varies depending on the type of procedure performed, the skill of the practitioner, and the conditions under which it is carried out.
Immediate complications include:
- Severe pain and bleeding
- Shock due to pain or blood loss
- Infections, including tetanus and blood-borne diseases
- Difficulty urinating
- Injury to surrounding tissues
Long-term health consequences can include:
- Chronic pain and infections
- Formation of cysts and abscesses
- Increased risk of childbirth complications and newborn deaths
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression
- Sexual dysfunction and painful intercourse
- Urinary problems and menstrual difficulties
Why the Practice Persists
Despite its harmful nature, FGM continues due to complex social, cultural, and religious factors. Communities that practice FGM often view it as:
- A rite of passage into womanhood
- A requirement for marriageability
- A method to preserve virginity and ensure fidelity
- A religious obligation, though major religious texts do not mandate it
- A cultural tradition that maintains community identity
Social pressure plays a significant role, as families fear ostracism or their daughters being considered unsuitable for marriage if they do not conform. Misinformation about health and religious requirements also perpetuates the practice.
Legal Framework and Challenges
India does not have specific legislation banning FGM, though the practice could potentially be prosecuted under existing laws related to assault, child abuse, and violations of children's rights. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been invoked in some cases.
Several petitions have been filed in Indian courts seeking an explicit ban on FGM. In 2017, the Supreme Court heard a public interest litigation on the issue, and the case has brought significant attention to the practice. Some countries with similar legal systems have enacted specific FGM legislation, providing models that India might consider.
Path Forward
Eliminating FGM requires multi-pronged approaches including education, community engagement, legal measures, and support for survivors. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in identifying cases, providing appropriate care, and refusing to perform the procedure.
Education initiatives must target both community leaders and families, clarifying that FGM has no health benefits and contradicts principles of bodily autonomy and child protection. Supporting community members who speak out against the practice, particularly survivors and religious leaders, can help shift social norms.
International organizations, along with Indian NGOs and activists, continue working to raise awareness, support affected communities, and advocate for comprehensive legal protection.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or legal advice. If you or someone you know has been affected by FGM, please consult qualified healthcare professionals and legal experts for appropriate support and guidance.
