ABSTRACT: 4 to 5 million girls are at risk for Female Genital Mutilation every year and is shown to have negative consequences on the child's physical and psychological well being, as well as increase behavioral problems. Many myths surround FGM and may perpetuate the cycle. FGM has been abolished on the federal level in the United States, however is still legal in many African and Middle Eastern countries.
             Every year approximately 4 to 5 million young girls and infants will have been circumcised through a process called Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) (AAP, 1998). It is believed that as of 1998, 137 million women had undergone this procedure, with several more girls at risk (Bosch, 2001). The purpose of this paper is to discuss what takes place during the actual procedure of FGM and how FGM harms a child both physically and psychologically. The common myths and laws surrounding FGM are also discussed.
             FGM is practiced in both developed and undeveloped countries. As recently as the 1940's, FGM was being performed on girls in the United States for a variety of conditions, such as frequent masturbation, lesbianism, and hysteria (French, 94). However, FGM is most commonly practice in African countries such as Sudan and Somalis, but spans across the continent (Sarkis, 2001). It is also found frequently in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq (Sarkis, 2001).
             FGM may take place as young as infancy to adulthood, but primarily occurs when a girl is between the age of 4-12 (NWHIC, 2001). Justification for FGM varies, but most cultures that practice FGM commonly share the belief than an uncircumcised girl is dirty and unsuitable for marriage. Additionally, the scar of a circumcised girl is thought to be proof to her husband that his new wife is a virgin and able to perform her moral responsibilities to society (Epstein, 2001). Additional common beliefs for the practice of FGM are that it enhanc...