Australia |
focus
points
|
 |
Insert forensic
focus points here
Canada |
focus
points
|
|
"Female
circumcision is a centuries old tradition that continues
to-day and directly involves nursing practice and care of
these patients" (Stewart, 1997, p. 35).
"Aside
from traditional rights, female circumcision may be performed
for economic factors, sexual control and beliefs of its
positive effects on childbirth" (Stewart, 1997, p.
35).
"Laws in
North America and Europe ban the practice, but many children
are sent abroad to have female circumcision performed"
(Stewart, 1997, p. 35).
"When female
circumcision was first practiced it is not known but it
preceded Christianity and Islam. Today the procedure is
mainly restricted to Muslims, although a few Christian communities
in Africa continue to practice" (Black & Debelle,
1995; cited as Stewart, 1997, p. 35).
"Different
forms of female circumcision are practiced in more than
20 African countries as well as Omen and Yemen, and the
United Arab Emirates, Muslims also practice the tradition
in Malaysia and Indonesia" (Robinson, 1994; cited as
Stewart, 1997, p. 35).
"The tradition
of female circumcision lies in the roots of ancient puberty
and initiation rites; this is unusual because for the most
art, initiation rites are practiced on males" (Lutkehaus
& Roscoe, 1995; cited in Stewart, 1997, p. 35).
International |
focus
points
|
|
Insert forensic
focus points here
United Kingdom |
focus
points
|
|
Insert forensic
focus points here
United States |
focus
points
|
|
"Female
genital mutilation, also called female circumcision and
infibulation involves the removal of genital tissue from
girls is intended to eliminate the sexual feelings in women"
(Brady, 1998, p. 50).
"As immigration
from the third world increases and as more people from countries
that practice Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) travel to
the United States and Canada, more women who have underwent
FGM are entering western health care centers" (Brady,
1998, p. 50).
"Yet most
Western health care professionals know little about the
procedure of FGM and the lifelong disabilities it can cause"
(Brady, 1998, p. 50).
"The average
age for girls who undergo the procedures ranges form 4 to
7 years, but in some cultures it is performed in infancy
and/or during the teenage years. Although often associated
with Islam, it is also practiced by people of other religions
including Christians and has deep cultural significance"
(Brady, 1998, p. 50).
"Clinically,
FGM can be categorized as follows:
- Sunna involves
the removal of the female prepuce. The least disfiguring
it is also the least commonly done.
- Simple excision
or clitoridectomy involves the removal of the clitoris
and parts of the labia minora.
- Pharaonia
or infibulation is the most mutilating. The clitoris,
labia minora and labia majora are removed, then the raw
surfaces are sutured and most of the vagina orifice is
closed" (Brady, 1998, p. 50).
"Infibulation
is the type of FGM most often practiced in African countries
by - usually by untrained women working under primitive
conditions and without anesthesia" (Brady, 1998, p.
50).
"When caring
for a women with FGM, remain culturally sensitive and nonjudgmental
to gain her confidence and establish good rapport"
(Brady, 1998, p. 51).
"As nurses
we can support legislation changes by acting as advocates
for women and girls affected by FGM and increasing professional
and public awareness about the practice. We must report
it when it involves girls under the age of 18, because it
is legally considered child abuse" (Brady, 1998, p.
51).
Focus Points
Reference
Brady, M. (1998).
Female genital mutilation.Nursing98, (9), 50-51.
Stewart, R.
(1997). Female Circumcision: Implications for North American
Nurses. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health
Services, 35 (4), 35-38.
Top
of Page
Topic
C - Forensic Nursing > Section C.6.0. Forensic Concepts > Unit.C.6.2.
Female Circumcision
