Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Global Health Implications and Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting affects over 125 million females worldwide. Originally stemming from specific cultural, social, and religious beliefs, it involves the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia for non-medical reasons. Without any health benefits, FGM/C puts millions of women’s health at risk. FGM/C violates human rights and its elimination is supported by WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA. Changes in the Affordable Care Act and Immigration laws may increase the number of American providers treating these women. It is crucial more awareness be brought to this issue for the safest, most culturally competent care and to strengthen evidence-based efforts to end the practice worldwide.