Clitoral Amputation Finally Outlawed in Egypt

For many centuries, parts of Africa and Egypt have performed female genital circumcisions as part of a ritualistic practice to prepare for womanhood and marriage. The practice was said to be originated in early Egypt and despite of the risks involved, it is a very important part of some cultures, ethnic identity, and even a religious obligation to many. Mainly performed with no anesthesia under less than septic conditions this procedure is a way of ensuring that a woman is good marriage material and ensuring her virginity and morality.

Islam and Christianity religions can be traced back to the earliest practices of female genital circumcision (FGC). In Christian countries, it was said that this ritual could be traced back to the Old Testament, being performed by one of Abraham's wives, Sarah. The book of Genesis refers to circumcisions but only to male circumcisions. However, in some countries, just as the foreskin of the penis should be removed, so should the clitoris. This usually takes place between the ages of four and eight years of age.

The most common procedure for FGC is amputating the clitoris but it is also very common to amputate both the clitoris as well as the labia. Then the raw and exposed area is held together until it heals. Once healed, there is a tiny opening left only for menstrual blood and urine to pass. Because the conditions under which this procedure is performed are not sterile several serious complications can occur including, hemorrhage, infection, shock, inability to pass urine because of pain, swelling and inflammation following the operation may lead to urinary tract infection.