CONTENTS
Bibliographic citations are listed in Population Reports, Meeting
the Needs of Young Adults, Series J, No. 41.
Supplement to Population Reports, Meeting the Needs of Young Adults,
Series J, No. 41, Vol. XXIII, No. 3 October 1995. Published with support from the United States Agency
for International Development. For additional copies contact Population INformation Program, Johns
Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, 111 Market Place, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012,
USA; fax (410) 569-6266; e-mail PopRepts@welchlink.welch.jhu.edu. |
Types of FGM
In an effort to standardize terminology, the World Health Organization
(WHO) has categorized FGM into four main groupings (534). In Type I the
prepuce (clitoral hood) is removed, sometimes along with part or all of the
clitoris. In Type II both the clitoris and part or all of the labia minora
(inner vaginal lips) are removed. In Type III (infibulation) the clitoris
is removed, some or all of the labia minora are amputated, and incisions are
made on the labia majora (outer lips) to create a raw surface. These raw
surfaces are either stitched together and/or kept in contact until they
seal as a "hood of skin" covering the urethra and most of the vaginal
opening. A small opening (sometimes the size of a match head or the tip
of the small finger) is created to allow the flow of urine and menstrual
blood. Experts estimate that infibulations (Type III) comprise roughly 15%
of FGM. In some countries, such as Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti, however, 80%
to 90% of all FGM is infibulation (478). Type IV is a new category that
encompasses a group of other operations on the external genitalia including
introcision (e.g. gishri cuts), piercing or incising the clitoris and/or
labia, stretching the clitoris and/or labia, cauterization, scraping and/or
cutting of the vagina, introduction of corrosive substances and herbs into
the vagina, and similar practices (534).
FGM is usually carried out by traditional practitioners, often lay
persons with only rudimentary training. It is increasingly performed by
trained medical personnel, however, sometimes at high cost, on the
assumption that this is more hygienic. This medicalization of the procedure
has been strongly condemned by WHO (533). |
