Colleen Sisson
Anthropology
Cultural Traditions

Introduction and Research Question

Female genital circumcision is something that I have recently been introduced to just this past year. I was completely unaware of this practice and I find it very interesting that male circumcision is so widely recognized in our culture yet this practice is seen to be as such a horrifying practice. It is interesting that there are so many different types and varying degrees of female “infibulation” or circumcision. Being interested the healthcare field and having learned about the cultural aspects of this procedure, I am more accepting of it because as healthcare providers it is important to be culturally competent in our care. This is a very sensitive subject because it is a cultural difference but it is also a potential for harm to allow the continuing or “reinfibulating” of the patient especially after a female undergoes childbirth. Healthcare providers are taught the ethical principle of non-maleficence which is to “do no harm” and when there is research to show that this procedure can be harmful, it is a conflict of autonomy. Autonomy is the principle that teaches us to respect our patient’s rights to make their own independent decisions about their healthcare. The main question posed here would be whether or not there could be acceptance of this female genital mutilation among the western cultures.
Defining FGM..what it is..who does it…why do they do it and justify it…what is the purpose..some people will see it as child abuse and won’t accept it…some people know that it’s an actual practice but don’t accept it in the western medical culture (more health background based vs. cultural and religion..and if there is no scientific background/reasoning behind it then it is viewed as more of a cultural issure, and that is where the boundary lies with it right now. And as health care providers we need to be aware of other cultural practices so that we don’t accuse other cultural practices of something like child abuse if it is a part of their religion..it is just a fine line to walk.
Ethics and Harm vs. Benefits
The majority of people in our culture who are not used to such practices would tend to ask similar questions about this procedure. “Why on earth would people do this to themselves or their daughters? Wouldn’t it be simpler and more conducive to well-being and happiness not to indulge in cutting?” (Londono Sulkin, C.D., 2009, p. 18). These questions simply show the uneducated point of view of a western society person with no cultural knowledge of these groups of people. However, questioning this practice in a western society medical field is also in the best interest of the patients presenting with this procedure. Ethical issues arise when treating these patients and fulfilling their wishes to “reinfibulate” post birth. The research presented in Female genital mutilation among antenatal care and contraceptive advice attendees in Sweden, proves the increased risk and states that, “FGM is a health and human rights issue” (Litorp, H., Franck, M. and Almroth, L., 2008, p.721). Due to these issues, an ethical committee should definitely get involved. The best, culturally sensitive way to get involved would be to establish a policy on this issue stating that it is up to the providing physician to decide whether they will go through with the procedure or not. Knowing the health risks and potential for harm, it is in their best interest not to do the procedure to “reinfibulate” but it is not directly against hospital policy to go against the wishes of their patient. Finally, I would note, there needs to be an interpreter present and proper communication and education in the patient’s native language about the risks of this procedure.
The Compromise
Summary
“Eradicating FGM does not take one single individual or organization; it’s a collective effort by civil society, government and young people. It’s time we stood up for every girl. A world where women are not free is not a just world”

Resources
Litorp, H., Franck, M. and Almroth, L. (2008). Female genital mutilation among antenatal care and contraceptive advice attendees in Sweden. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica 87:716-722.
Londono Sulkin, C.D. (2009). Anthropology, liberalism, and female genital cutting. Anthropology Today 25(6):17-19.