Female genital mutilation in the United States

FGC Types

2020 Global Response report FGM world map

Teaching communities about FGM-C (12345176104)

Female genital mutilation laws by U.S. state map

Female Genital Mutilation in the United States (FGM in the US) refers to the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, practiced within certain communities or families in the United States. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes. It is primarily concentrated in certain parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, but due to immigration, FGM has also been reported in the United States.

Prevalence

The exact number of girls and women in the US who have undergone FGM or who are at risk is difficult to determine due to the secrecy surrounding the practice. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations have estimated that the practice is more prevalent among immigrant communities from countries where FGM is common.

Legal Status

FGM is illegal in the United States. The federal government passed a law in 1996 making it illegal to perform FGM on minors for non-medical reasons. Additionally, the law was amended in 2013 to make it illegal to knowingly transport a girl out of the United States for the purpose of undergoing FGM, a practice known as "vacation cutting." Despite these laws, there have been few prosecutions, partly due to the challenges in detecting and reporting cases.

Cultural Context

FGM is practiced for various cultural, religious, and social reasons within families and communities. Reasons cited include rites of passage, preservation of chastity, and enhancement of marital prospects. In the United States, those who practice FGM often do so in secrecy, due to the illegal status of the practice and the widespread condemnation of it.

Health Consequences

FGM has no health benefits and can cause severe health problems, including chronic pain, infections, increased risk of childbirth complications, and psychological trauma. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies FGM into four major types, ranging from the partial or total removal of the clitoris to the narrowing of the vaginal orifice with the creation of a covering seal.

Efforts to End FGM

Efforts to end FGM in the United States include education and outreach programs aimed at immigrant communities, training for healthcare providers on how to manage complications related to FGM and how to have sensitive conversations with patients, and advocacy for stronger enforcement of existing laws. Organizations such as the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations work both in the US and internationally to raise awareness about the harms of FGM and to promote its abandonment.

Conclusion

FGM is a complex issue that sits at the intersection of cultural tradition, gender inequality, and human rights. While it is illegal in the United States, the practice persists within certain communities, posing challenges for law enforcement, healthcare providers, and advocates working to end the practice. Continued efforts to educate, legislate, and provide support for survivors are crucial in the fight against FGM in the US.

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Female genital mutilation in the United States for any updates.

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