Virginity and Body Mutilation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), female genital mutilation (FGM), often referred to as “female circumcision,” includes all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia and any other injuries to the female genital organs, whether it be for cultural, religious, or other nontherapeutic reasons. There are several different known types of FGM practiced today. The most common are: Type I, Excision (removal) of the clitoral hood, with or without removal of part or all of the clitoris; Type II, Removal of the clitoris together with part or all of the labia minora; and Type III, Removal of part or all of the external genitalia (clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora) and stitching and/or narrowing of the vaginal opening, leaving a small hole for urine and menstrual flow (also referred to as infibulation).1