In the case of 5 year of Beza undergoing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at a young age, I believe we should start by revisiting what exactly FGM is before inputting our opinion on this case. What is Female Genital Mutilation? There are three types of FGM that can be performed. The first being Clitoridectomy; is when part or the whole of the clitoris is amputated and the bleeding is stopped by pressure or stitching. The second type is Excision; both the clitoris and the inner lips are amputated. The bleeding is usually stopped stitching, but the vagina is not covered up. Lastly, the third type is infibulation; the clitoris is completely removed. Some or all of the labia minora are cut off, and incisions are made in the labia majora to create a raw surface. …show more content…
As we look back at the question, “is this case morally permissible?” I think we must consider that this procedure most likely received the permission by Beza’s parents because she is of a very young age to understand what exactly she is about to under also if asked for her consent, she would probably say yes not knowing what she has agreed to. I do believe that it is morally wrong for this procedure to take place to this 5-year-old girl, but I am in agreement with professor Martha Nussbaum from University of Chicago when she stated that,” it is morally wrong to criticize the practice of another culture unless one is prepared to be similarly critical of comparable practices when they occur in one’s own culture”. This is so true because someone can come back a question our culture when mother’s make the decision to have their sons undergo circumcision. That scenario can also undergo the same questionnaire and judgment that we are making when discussing FGM, so we are in the wrong for judging the cultural view of something the people within that culture believe is okay to
FGM are “procedures which involve partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital or organs for non-medical reasons” World Health Organisation (2016) and encompasses four different forms: Clitoridectomy (removal of clitoris), excision (removal of clitoris and labia minora and with/without the labia majora), infibulation (narrowing of the vaginal opening) and other non-medical harmful procedures i.e. piercing (NHS 2016). Girls and women can be vulnerable to FGM due to their age as FGM is largely carried out on young girls, the association that FGM is a cultural tradition and it is expected for all girls and women to have FGM within these communities and a lack of education for
The procedure is done so often in some cultures that the procedure has become the norm. Another issue that is briefly discussed in both V-Day and the articles is using professional medical advice and doctors during procedures. Doctors should be able to make the procedure less painful with less emotional scaring, however, the use of medical advice does not follow cultural rules/regulations. There is still a large percentage of girls who have this procedure done (over half in Indonesia). Additionally, there is no benefit to this procedure, yet some cultures continue to have it performed. This is another aspect that I do not fully understand. Many cultures realize there is no benefit to the procedure, but it is still performed regularly. I was even more surprised to learn that this procedure is performed in America (even though it is typically performed for people who have immigrated). When the procedure is practiced in America, I wonder the type of conditions the procedure is performed in. I can not imagine this procedure is performed in hospitals or private practices.
Throughout history, there has been a controversial argument on whether female genital mutilation should be banned from Africa. Some people describe female genital mutilation or FGM as a violation of women’s rights and others view it as served for a religious purpose having to do with the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an. Female Genital Mutilation is the removal of all or part of the external parts of the female genitalia. There are three different types of FGM; the first type of FGM is the Sunna Circumcision which is the removal of the tip of the clitoris. The second type is Clitoridectomy which is the removal of the entire clitoris and the adjacent labia. The third type is Infibulation which is the removal of the clitoris and the entire labia including the labia majora and minora. After the removal of the entire labia, the joining of the scraped sides are brought together using thorns or catgut, leaving only a small portion open for menstruation and urinating. Africa has the highest rates of FGM being performed. About 100 million women and girls are affected by FGM and at least 3 million girls are at risk undergoing this process every year. FGM is usually carried out by an elderly woman who is paid fees from the family of the girl undergoing this process (P.a.p.-Blog par. 2, 4). Female Genital Mutilation is usually performed on girl between the ages of three and adulthood. According to the UNICEF or United
In an extensive article, by Richard Griffith he reinstates information from the WHO Organization that “It is estimated that 100–140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM).” (World Health organization, 2008). It is a horrible practice in which young females between the ages of infant and fifteen years of age, undergo a surgery for the alteration, removal or partial removal of their genitalia for religious or cultural reasoning’s. If that isn’t terrifying enough, understand that this takes place against the will of the receiving party. This is reason by itself, along with many reasons to stands up against FGM, as it should be outlawed entirely. But, before we can establish the barrier between necessary and criminal in discussion with this topic, we must look at the research and history of this practice, and let the statistics speak for its self.
Female genital mutilation (FMG) is the practice of partially or totally removing the external genitalia of girls and young women for nonmedical reasons. UNFPA, (2015) The different ways of saying FGM may confuse some, but they all mean the same thing. Starting off being called female circumcision didn’t last long. People were often very confused because male and female have very different health implications. One major different between the two is that male circumcision is used for health benefits, whereas females suffer for no reason. It is rarely called circumcision anymore for that reason. After being changed to female genital mutilation, many thought it was implying people were performing the procedure maliciously. Whatever you decide to call it shouldn’t matter, because it needs to be stopped no matter what.
Female genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision, is a practice that involves the removal of part or all of the female external genitalia. It occurs throughout the world, but most commonly in Africa where they say that it is a tradition and social custom to keep a young girl pure and a married woman faithful. But to some Westerners, the practice is viewed as being primitive and barbaric. We react with disgust and find it nearly incomprehensible that female genital mutilation can occur in the world today
The world health organization defines FGM as ‘all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons’. (World Health Organisation 2016) FGM is a tradition deeply rooted and practiced in Africa, Asia and the middle east by specific ethnic groups. It is for the most part performed on children and as such is recognised as a violation of human rights and the rights of a child. (Creighton, 2015)
This research is limited only to the ethical issues of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM). Ethical issues about other kinds/types of mutilation like the tattoos or markings, surgeries, transplants and piercings are not furthermore discussed, explained, and identified in this research.
Now that we know little about the mutilation process these females undergoes; let’s ask ourselves “Why would someone ever agree to conduct such procedure on their own will?” If mutilation emphasizes the clear violation of human rights, why is this procedure being implemented in many different countries? Well, this issue is due to different ethical, and moral perspective; one may believe that female mutilation is morally right; while others may think it’s a violation of human rights. Let’s first explore the ethical theories on this
Female Genital Mutilation is a practice in which external portions of female genitalia are removed for non-medical, cultural reasons. In many countries and cultures, young girls are forced to go through this procedure before getting married, based on the belief that the practice will keep them pure and virgins. This practice, set in place by a patriarchal hegemonic system, controls and decides the lives of any girls in a lot of places. Often times, these lives are ended because the practice is non-medical, not safe, and definitely not even done the right way.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) also known as female circumcision is a tradition passed down from generation to generation occurring all around the world affecting millions of women and young girls. FGM is controversial matter most prevalent in Africa (Ahanonu and Victor, 2014). To this day it’s estimated that about 28 African countries still practice this ritual including Nigeria (Ahanonu and Victor, 2014). In the past twenty years there has been a worldwide increased interest in FGM due to its multiplicity and lifelong effects. Some people believe FGM violates basic human rights where others believe this ritual is required to increase their chances of marriageability and that this practice is a transition from adolescents into adulthood
Imagine this! Being either a young girl or a woman forcefully bound against your will while elders perform a procedure called Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The young girls and women who are forced to have this procedure done not only loses their rights to sexual pleasure but their rights are sliced, chopped, punctured, and finally burnt away. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) otherwise known as Female Genital Circumcision (FGC) is also a controversial topic in Western societies. This paper will examine the history of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), hegemonic perspective on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), health consequences of having this procedure done, how Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) affects women’s sexual function, and women who
Female Genital Mutilation also known as FGM, female circumcision is a procedure which involves the total or partial removal of the external genitalia for traditional or non-therapeutic reasons. Is FGM morally justified? Should his practice be eradicated because of the harmful nature, or should it be upheld due to the traditional, and religious beliefs? FGM is traditionally performed by an inexperienced herbalist using non-sterile equipment, thus causing damages to the women. The history of FGM dates back to 2000 years ago. They have been theories to back up this practice, yet inconclusive.
Female Genital Mutilation is believed to have started in Egypt 2,000 years ago and spread from there. Only a few years ago, FGM was considered a cultural tradition, but now the United Nations has labeled it as a violation of human rights. Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States has declared Female Genital Mutilation grounds for seeking asylum and is a punishable offense (1).
FGM originated in Africa. It was, and remains, a cultural, not a religious practice. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is also known as female circumcision is performed on young women before they reach puberty. There are three types of FGM practiced. One is Sunna circumcision in which the tip of the clitoris and/or its covering (prepuce) are removed, Clitoridectomy where the entire clitoris, the prepuce and adjacent labia are removed, and Infibulation (a.k.a. Pharaonic circumcision) which is a clitoridectomy followed by sewing up of the vulva. Only a small opening is left to allow urine and menstrual blood to pass. In all types of FGM, the vagina is sown up until the female is ready to have sexual intercourse