As the world observed the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on February 6, a concerning trend emerged: the increasing medicalisation of FGM. UNICEF has raised alarms over the rising number of healthcare professionals performing FGM, a practice that not only violates human rights but also continues to endanger the lives of millions of girls and women worldwide.
Traditionally, FGM has been performed by untrained practitioners using rudimentary tools in non-sterile conditions. However, the growing involvement of healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives has led to what is now termed “clinical FGM.” Some communities believe that having the procedure conducted by medical personnel makes it safer and reduces complications.
However, this is a dangerous misconception. While sterile instruments and anaesthesia may reduce immediate pain and infection risk, clinical FGM does not eliminate the severe physical, psychological, and reproductive health consequences associated with the practice. The fundamental harm of FGM remains unchanged, and its medicalisation only serves to perpetuate its existence under the guise of safety.
FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly stated that FGM has no health benefits and causes lifelong suffering. The consequences include:
- Chronic pain and infections – Even in medical settings, the procedure can lead to severe infections, chronic pelvic pain, and complications in menstruation and urination.
- Increased risks during childbirth – Women who have undergone FGM face a higher risk of obstructed labor, excessive bleeding, and perinatal death.
- Psychological trauma – Many survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction.
- Violation of human rights – FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of the rights of girls and women. It is a form of gender-based violence that undermines dignity and bodily autonomy.
Despite these well-documented dangers, FGM continues to be practiced in various countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with some instances reported in Europe and North America among migrant communities.
Kenya has made progress in the fight against FGM, with prevalence rates decreasing over recent decades. However, according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 15% of women aged 15-49 have undergone FGM, and over 4 million girls remain at risk. The practice is most prevalent in regions like North Eastern and parts of the Rift Valley, where cultural beliefs strongly support its continuation. In some communities, FGM rates reach as high as 90%.
The Kenyan government has implemented stringent laws to combat FGM, including the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2011. Yet, enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where traditional beliefs and community resistance hinder efforts to eradicate the practice.
Beyond the immediate health consequences, FGM imposes a significant economic burden on affected countries. A recent study estimated that the global economic cost of FGM-related health complications reaches billions of dollars annually. In Kenya alone, the cost of treating complications related to FGM including infections, childbirth complications, and long-term reproductive issues places additional strain on an already burdened healthcare system.
Healthcare professionals have a critical role to play in ending FGM. Rather than performing the procedure, medical workers must actively discourage it and educate communities on the harmful consequences. Governments, NGOs, and international bodies must strengthen policies that prevent medical professionals from engaging in FGM and instead empower them to be advocates for change.
Some strategies to combat medicalised FGM include:
- Strict enforcement of laws – Governments must hold healthcare workers accountable for performing FGM and impose severe penalties on violators.
- Comprehensive education and training – Medical professionals should be trained to recognize and address FGM-related complications while actively advocating against the practice.
- Community engagement and awareness – Local leaders, religious figures, and educators must work together to change cultural perceptions surrounding FGM.
- Providing alternative rites of passage – In many communities, FGM is seen as a rite of passage into womanhood. Encouraging alternative, non-harmful ceremonies can help break the cycle of FGM.
The fight against FGM requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, healthcare professionals, activists, and community leaders. UNICEF’s warning about the rise in medicalised FGM serves as a wake-up call to intensify efforts to eliminate this harmful practice once and for all.
Eradicating FGM is not just a health issue it is a fundamental human rights issue. Every girl deserves to grow up without the fear of being subjected to this harmful practice. With stronger policies, community-driven initiatives, and increased global awareness, a future without FGM is possible.
