Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation is done to women in countries such as: Africa, the Middle East, and South East Asia. It is a procedure in which the genitals of a young girl or child or removed or circumcised. In countries where this is practiced, society practices it as a tradition and those who do not are not accepted. There are several side effects from going forth with the practice of female genital mutilation. This includes: urine complications, bleeding, scaring, pregnancy complications, aids, mental issues, and even resulting in death. Even with all of the negative effects of Female Genital Mutilation, if given the option of pro-choice, some girls would not feel untraditional, it will not be practiced illegally, and there could be better medical procedures taken into consideration.

History of Female Genital Mutilation
In America, it is natural for a parent to choose to have their son circumcised. Before, it was not permissible. Unfortunately, in areas like Africa, Middle East, and Southeast Asia, it is unacceptable for a mother or grandmother to have their daughter circumcised, also known as female genital mutilation. The clitoris or other genital parts are cut out with a small blade or a piece of glass, and then it is sewn together. Due to the fact that it is considered inhumane or an act of force. People feel as if the rights of these little girls are being violated, thus for making it illegal in the areas it is practiced. There are several side effects that women experience after their genitalia is removed. Some which include: difficulty peeing, severe bleeding, infertility, pregnancy complications, death, and no pleasure when partaking in sex. This is because of the unsterile equipment used and the fact that the doctors who perform this operation are not licensed. Even though it has been banned or announced illegal to practice, most people still try to perform having their daughters go forth without authorization. If caught performing this procedure, the person will penalized by being fined or put into jail. The reason behind it being so illegal is because of the fact that the procedures are unsterile and because their purpose behind having these girls circumcised is unreasonable. Even with all the regulations, people feel the need to do it still because it is their belief. When asked why the mothers’ or grandmothers’ force this practice on their daughters, most of them say it is because of their Islamic religion. Although, nowhere in the Qur’an does it state that this is a religious ritual that should be practiced. The other reason behind it is that a women’s virtue is not her owns, but instead, it is the men’s. Most men will not even marry a woman who has not had their genitalia taken out, because they are considered impure. When the clitoris is taken out, it causes the women to not experience any sexual pleasure. This is so females do not commit adultery. A woman who commits adultery, will bring shame to her husband and her family.

Current Situation Female Genital Mutilation has been restricted or outlawed by United Nations in the countries in which they are practiced, but it is poorly enforced. It even raises questions about cultural relativism because of the rights of these girls are being taken away.

Solution Although it has been banned by the United Nations, people still choose to practice it illegally. They will continue to practice it illegally until better actions are taken into consideration.

Conclusion In other countries, a life threating procedure is known as female genital mutilation, however, to those who practice it know it as female circumcision. They know it as a valued tradition within in their culture that is not considered to have intentions of harm. Whether people agree with Female Circumcision or not, it is practiced for cultural motives. “In certain communities, where mutilation is carried out as part of the initiation into adulthood, FGM defines who belongs to the community. In such communities, a girl cannot be considered an adult in a FGM-practicing society unless she has undergone FGM.” As stated by Amnesty International.