Medicalisation of female genital mutilation is a dangerous development

This peer-reviewed article examines how the medicalisation of female genital mutilation (FGM)—performing the practice in medical settings by healthcare providers—is counterproductive to abandonment efforts. The authors argue that medical provision of FGM undermines child protection by legitimising a harmful practice and jeopardising the health and wellbeing of girls and women affected by it.

Key points

• Medicalisation of FGM is described as a troubling development that hinders abandonment efforts
• The practice jeopardises the wellbeing of girls and women

Limitations

The abstract provided does not contain sufficient detail about the specific arguments, evidence, data, or findings presented in the full article. We cannot determine what research methods were used, what evidence is presented, or what specific recommendations are made.