Female genital mutilation is the cutting, or partial or total removal, of the external female genitalia for cultural, religious, or other non-medical reasons. It is usually performed on girls between the ages of 4 and 10. It is also called female circumcision, a term which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages all health professionals to use.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) cuts or removes the tissues around the vagina that give women pleasurable sexual feelings. This procedure, which is thought to have begun about 6,000 years ago, is used for social and cultural control of women's sexuality. In its most extreme form, infibulation, where the girl's vagina is sewn shut, the procedure ensures virginity. In some cultures, this procedure is considered a rite of passage for young girls. Families fear if their daughters are left uncircumcised, they may not be marriageable, or the girl might bring...