What is female genital mutilation?
“Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.” -World Health Organization (WHO)
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Type I: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce (Clitoridectomy)
Type II: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora with or wihout excision of the labia minora (Excision)
Type III: Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or without variations in infibulations (Infibulation)
In 2016 the Population Reference Bureau estimated that approximately 507, 000 women and girls have either undergone or are at risk of FGM/C. Although FGM/C is against federal law, it is still practiced covertly. 26 states have statutes banning FGM/C and vacation cutting. Vacation cutting is the practice of sending children to other states or countries to be cut while on school break. Since many service providers believe that cutting is only practiced abroad, it can be difficult to protect women and girls at risk.