S-1993-02-1993_OVE
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L’ASSOCIATION MEDICALE MONDIALE. INC ASOCIACION MEDICA MUNDIAL, INC
Telephone : 50407575
Fax: 50 40 59 37
October 1993
THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
B. P. 63 • 01212 FERNEY·VOLTAIRE Cedex, France
28. avenue des Alpes· 01210 FERNEY-VOLTAIRE. France
Cable Address: .
WOMEDAS, Ferney-Voltaire
10.24
Original: English
WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STATEMENT
ON
CONDEMNATION OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
Adopted by the 45th World Medical Assembly
Budapest, HungaryI October 1993
Preamble
Female genital mutilation (FGM) affects more than ao million women and girls
worldwide. It Is practised by many ethnic groups in over thirty countries.
In many other countries the problem has been an issue for some time, especially due
to the presence of ethnic groups from countries in which FGM is common practice:
immigrants, refugees, people who fled from hunger and war.
Because of its impact on the physical and mental health of women and children,
FGM is considered a matter of concern to physicians. Physicians worldwide are
confronted with the effects of this traditional practice. Sometimes they are asked to
perform this mutilating procedure.
There are various forms.of FGM. It could be a primary circumcision for young girts,
USUally between 5 and 12 years of age, or a secondary circumcision, e.g. after
childbirth. The extent of a primary circumcision may differ: from an incision in the
foreskin of the clitoris up to a pharaonic circumcision or infibulation removing the
clitoris and labio minora and stitching up the labia majora so that only a minirnaJ
opening remains to drain off urine and menstruel blood.
Depending on the extent of the circumcision, FGM affects the health of women and
girls. Research evidence shows the grave permanent damage to. health. Acute
complications of FGM are: haemorrhage, infections, bleeding of adjacent organs,
violent pain. Later complications are vicious scars, chronic infections, urologic and
obstetric complications and psychological and social problems. FGM has serious
consequences for sexuality and how it is experienced. There is a multiplicity of
complications during childbirth (expulsion disturbances, formation of fistUlae,
ruptures, incontinence).
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Even with the least drastic version, an incision in the clitoris, complications and
functionaJ consequences cannot be ruled out
There are various reasons put forward to explain the existence and continuation of
the practice of FGM: custom and tradition (to preserve virginity of young girls and
limit sexuality of women). social reasons. These reasons do not outweigh the
important damages to health.
None of the major religions makes an explicit reference to female circumcision and/or
supports this practice. The current medicaJ opinion is that FGM is detrimental to the
physical and mentaJ health of girts and women. FGM is seen by many as a form of
oppression of women.
By and large there is a strong tendency to condemn FGM more overtly:
– There are active campaigns against the practice in Africa. Many African women
leaders as well as African heads of states have issued strong statements against
the practice.
– IntemationaJ agencies such as the Wond Health Organisation, the United Nations
Human Rights Commission and UNICEF have recommended that specific
measures be aimed at the eradication of FGM.
– Govemments in severaj countries have developed legislation on the subject or
have incorporated FGM into their criminal codes.
CONCLUSION
The World Medica! Association condemns the practice of genitaJ mutilation including
circumcision where women and girls are concerned and condemns the participation
of physicians in the execution otsuch practices. _
_ n _ _ ••• _ . _ . _ . , n’ ,g, g “‘-IIIICI. CIIIU YUI:» are c;oncemea ana concemns the participation
of physicians in the execution otsuch practices.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Taking into account the psychological rights and ‘cultural identity’ of the people
involved. physicians should inform women, men and children on FGM and
prevent them from performing or promoting FGM. Physicians should integrate
health promotion and counselling against FGM in their work.
2. As a consequence” physicians should have enough information and support for
doing so. Educational programmes concerning FGM should be expanded and/or
developed.
3. MedicaJ Associations should stimulate public and professionaf awareness of the
damaging effects of FGM.
4. MedicaJ Associations should stimulate governmental action in preventing the
practice of FGM.
5. MedicaJ Associations should cooperate in organising an appropriate preventive
and legal strategy when a child is at risk to undergo FGM.
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