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Current Sexual Health Reports
Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 1/2018

Open Access 01-03-2018 | Sociocultural Issues and Epidemiology (J Abdulcadir and C Johnson-Agbakwu, Section Editors)

Medicalized Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Contentious Practices and Persistent Debates

Authors: Samuel Kimani, Bettina Shell-Duncan

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Female genital cutting/mutilation (FGM/C) performed by health care professionals (medicalization) and reduced severity of cutting have been advanced as strategies for minimizing health risks, sparking acrimonious ongoing debates. This study summarizes key debates and critically assesses supporting evidence.

Recent Findings

While medicalization is concentrated in Africa, health professionals worldwide have faced requests to perform FGM/C. Whether medicalization is hindering the decline of FGM/C is unclear. Factors motivating medicalization include, but are not limited to, safety concerns. Involvement of health professionals in advocacy to end FGM/C can address both the supply and demand side of medicalization, but raises ethical concerns regarding dual loyalty. Ongoing debates need to address competing rights claims.

Summary

Polarizing debates have brought little resolution. We call for a focus on common goals of protecting the health and welfare of girls living in communities where FGM/C is upheld and encourage more informed and open dialog.
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Metadata
Title
Medicalized Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Contentious Practices and Persistent Debates
Authors
Samuel Kimani
Bettina Shell-Duncan
Publication date
01-03-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-018-0140-y