Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a centuries-old practice defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.” The actual procedure varies across cultures and the resulting genital changes are classified by the WHO into four types based on the organs or genital parts that are removed or altered. The first two include the clitoris, the clitoral hood, the labia minora and labia majora, all of which may be partially or completely removed during the procedure, thereby determining the category. In type III FGM, the open area left by removal of the labia minora is sewn closed over the urethra and vaginal vestibule until only a tiny opening for menstrual flow and urine is left, a procedure called infibulation.  This must be reopened for sexual activity either through forceful sex or a second procedure.  Type IV covers all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for nonmedical purposes, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization. Although technically women of any age can potentially be subjected to this procedure, it is typically performed on girls between infancy and puberty, and unlike male circumcision, FGM has absolutely no medical benefit.

Although ingrained in a diverse variety of cultural customs, it is internationally recognized as a violation of women and girls’ fundamental human rights. It is most prevalent in countries in Africa and the Middle East, but is practiced in 92 countries around the world. But before we claim the moral high ground, estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that over 500,000 girls in the United States are at risk of being forced to undergo FGM or have already been cut.