Title: Dangerous practices.

POPLINE Document Number: 095872

Author(s):

Zavriew L

Source citation:

WEST AFRICA, 1994 May 9-15;:815.

Abstract:

Female genital mutilation, which has been performed on 85-114 million girls and women, mostly in Africa, presents a great threat of HIV infection. The operation can occur at various ages but is most frequently performed between age 4 and 8 years. The severity of the mutilation can range from the excision of parts of the clitoris to the excision of the clitoris and the labia minora and majora and the stitching together the remaining sides of the vulva, with only a small hole left for urine and menstrual blood. This method, known as infibulation, as well as the unintended infibulation which results from the healing of methods which remove less tissue, causes extreme problems during intercourse and child-bearing. Female genital mutilation is carried out by traditional practitioners in unsterile circumstances without any anesthesia. The health consequences of the procedure were severe even before the risk of HIV increased their life-threatening aspect. Mass circumcision of this sort has been conclusively linked with the spread of the AIDS virus, and the trauma of cutting open an infibulated woman for intercourse or child birth also increases the risk of infection. While the threat of HIV may convince some people to change this practice, it is unlikely to have a great impact because this practice is bound up with issues such as the status of women in society, female sexuality, and sexual health. Female genital mutilation will not be adequately addressed until these issues are faced.

Keywords:

Critique
Female Genital Cutting
AIDS
HIV Transmission
Transmission
Harmful Traditional Practices
Traditional Health Practices
Culture
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Infections