FGM is partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Religious, social or cultural reasons are often given. The idea of FGM preserves chastity, cleanness, family honour and saves a female for marriage however these beliefs are out dated and stem from a perceived need to control female sexuality, leaving the expression of sexuality primarily to the males. It is a current phenomenon in West Africa which is increasingly popular. The countries it is most popular and common include Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia. “FGM is still used 28 African countries for non-medical reasons and mostly for cultural reasons” (Schmöker, 2015)
FGM is child abuse as it is dangerous and a criminal offence as there are serious health risks involved in the procedure. Often FGM is performed by practitioners such as midwifes, matrons, doctors or surgeons however it is commonly performed by someone with no medical experience using non-traditional methods which heightens the risk.
There is an estimated 137,000 women and girls affected by FGM in England and Wales (NSPCC) It has been a criminal offence to preform FGM in the UK since 1985. (NSPCC)
Government policy in the UK has been released to prevent women and girls being affected by FGM in the future, Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) is a strategy published in March 2016 and its main focus is on crisis response to early intervention and prevention. (NSPCC) Young girls are also protected by the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and the Children Act 2004.
Dr David Richmond, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), said: “FGM is violence against women and we must find ways to eradicate this harmful and unacceptable practice. When it is done on girls, it is a form of child abuse with many long-term consequences.”
Medicalisation is very often used as a form of social control. (Zola, 1972) FGM is used to control women and their sexuality giving the impression that they are not superior enough to have the enjoyment of sex that a male does. This links to Illich (1975) as it promotes capitalism in the countries where FGM is still used today and provides evidence that Illich’s work is still accurate today
Conflict due to cultural differences across the world leads to FGM to always be controversial.
Evaluate Illich's (1976) notion of 'medical imperialism' - what is his theory about and to what extent is it accurate today? 