FGM: Female genital mutilation

There are at least three type of excision :

• the clitoris
• the labia minora
• the labia majora
• with a whole range of possible combinations, not forgetting infibulation which consists of sewing the vaginal opening closed, leaving only a tiny opening.

Excision can be carried out at any age. One woman may even be mutilated several times to varying degrees and at different times, either as a punishment or for other reasons (an upcoming marriage, for example, or after giving birth).

Female genital mutilation is usually performed with no regard for the most basic rules of hygiene, without anaesthetic, and with all the consequences it is possible to imagine in the way of pain, trauma and infection.

It is torture.

The negative impact on the victim’s physical and psychological health may last a lifetime.
Excision threatens the victim's life and that of her children.