What is FGM?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to the intentional injury or deformation of the female genital organs for non-medical purposes. It is a common custom in numerous African and Middle-Eastern countries. According to the World Health Organization, there are 4 different types of FGM:
"Type I - Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce
Type II - Partial or total removal of the labia minora, with or without the excision of the labia majora.
Type III - Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora with or without excision of the clioris.
Type IV - All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterization."
www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/
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