Female circumcision, which is scientifically known as ‘female genital mutilation‘ is rooted in the culture of some 20 African and Middle Eastern countries. The ancient custom is believed to be associated with female purity and femininity by the elders of many traditional settings, but dismissed by medical practitioners as demeaning and of no medical benefits. Doctors have long abhorred this folklore procedure as painful, humiliating and traumatizing to the female especially when it is not done at a very young age before the maiden reaches puberty.
The increasing immigration to America from Africa of females from this traditional settings have posed a new challenge to many gynecologist who are not familiar with this ancient custom. Most of them come to see their gynecologist when they need consultations for childbirth or other childbirth-related medical complications, and this is when most doctors are flummoxed on how to treat their complications compounded with a mutilated genitals, New York Times reports.
“I feel ashamed,” said the woman, Mariama Bojang, 25 formerly from Gambia. “The doctor has probably never seen anything like this. How am I supposed to explain it?”
Female circumcision has become much a subject of human rights violation among the United Nations circle for years and the world body has formulated many educational programs creating awareness in Africa where forced circumcision as a custom is regarded as a violation against the rights of women.