saraberri

This is a truly barbaric practice that needs to end. Unfortunately, laws are often an ineffective way to combat religious or cultural practices. Laws banning FGM have often resulted in driving the practice further underground, thereby putting the girl at greater risk of infection and death. The greatest successes at ending FGM have been achieved by working closely with communities in a way that all members of a marriage network give up the practice simultaneously.

Type III FGM, which includes the sewing shut (or using thorns) of all but a narrow vaginal opening for the passage of urine and menstrual flow is often performed without sterile procedures or anesthesia. This procedure is so fucked up in so many ways it sickens me. Cultural, societal, or religious traditions that ignore human rights and perpetuate violence against children and women have no place in any society.

well said.