In class, we began discussing female genital mutilation (what an amazing topic to go into the weekend to). While I had briefly learned about this topic prior to this class, I definitely learned way more about it. I didn’t realize that their were four types; clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and all other types such as piercing and pricking. There is no health benefits at all in regards to this and it only harms those who it happens to.
According to the World Health Organization, the most common places this is practiced is in western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa, in some countries in the Middle East and Asia, and migrants from these areas.
Some reasons why this occurs is because some people believe it is a natural part of raising a girl and preparing her for marriage, to help preserve virginity for marriage, to increase likelihood of marriage, the belief that it makes you “clean”, and because it is a social norm. It is shocking that this still happens for these reasons because it is proven that there are no benefits. However, people do so many things that have no benefits at all, so I really shouldn’t be surprised that this is still something that happens.
When hearing about all of this, all I could do it cringe. I could only imagine how traumatizing something like that could be. Not only would it cause physical pain, but I can only assume emotional trauma as well.
This issue has become more publicized with awareness being brought to it. Also on the website for the World Health Organization, it explains what they have done to try and bring attention and stop this issue. WHO has been strengthening health sector response, building evidence, and increasing advocacy. Some general responses not from WHO include wider international involvement to stop FGM, revision of legal frameworks, and releases of statements of elimination.
I think this issue is important to address more frequently. I am glad that in more recent years, this issue has been one that has had many actions taken against, but I know there is still a long way to go.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
Jordan's Human Sexuality Blog 
Hey Jordan!
I agree with a lot of the points that you made in your blog post. It is an incredibly hard topic to hear about, and an even more difficult one to fathom in regards to what these women go through, mentally and physically. It’s challenging for me personally to differentiate between my internal reaction that FMG is inherently wrong, and the other side of me that recognizes that there are significant cultural components to Female Genital Mutilation that are simply a part of life for many women, especially in areas of the word where ritual and religion are regarded as seriously as life and death. If we step in and stop this from occurring in some instances, are we inhibiting ancient practices of a sacred culture to adhere to our modernist Western views, or are we enforcing justice? Whichever side you agree with, it certainly makes you think!
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