[Ritualistic female genital mutilation. The sentiment of the women]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2001 Nov;29(11):824-8. doi: 10.1016/s1297-9589(01)00227-2.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered as the most dangerous custom still ritually practiced and 2 million girls undergo the ordeal each year. This practice is anchored and fixed firmly in numerous African people's culture and Western countries are confronted to it through African immigrants. In order to understand the justifications and the consequences of FGM we interviewed 14 genitally mutilated African women living in France. Unfortunately and despite the conscious knowledge of consequences and absurd side of such practice, yet it seems to be perpetuated over the descendants. Educational approach is the best solution to fight female genital mutilation fixed firmly in numerous African people's culture.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Africa / ethnology
  • Attitude to Health
  • Circumcision, Female / adverse effects*
  • Culture*
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Sexuality