Female Genital Mutilation: Health Workers in Southeast Asia

October 9, 2025 Ahmed Hassan - World News Editor World

Here’s a breakdown of‌ the provided text, focusing on key facts⁣ and themes:

Main Topic: The dangers and ineffectiveness​ of medicalizing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).

Key Arguments:

* ⁣ Medicalization Doesn’t reduce Harm: ⁣ The​ text explicitly states there’s no evidence ⁣ that involving healthcare professionals reduces harm. In fact, studies⁣ suggest medical professionals may‍ perform more severe procedures due to their anatomical ​knowledge and use of anesthesia.
* Medicalization Embeds the Practice: It risks normalizing FGM/C within‌ healthcare systems, violating medical ethics, and causing long-term harm.
*‍ Healthcare Professionals’ Role: Healthcare workers are in a crucial position to protect women​ and girls, but need ⁢support through clear laws, accountability, and cultural change.
* WHO‘s Stance: The World Health Organization​ strongly advises against ‍health workers performing FGM/C and has a global strategy to end ⁤its medicalization. They are focused on‌ changing values and ⁤beliefs to discourage the practice⁣ among healthcare professionals.
* Global ⁢Prevalence: FGM/C is practiced in ​94 countries.

Key People/Organizations Mentioned:

* ‍ Dr. Hannah Nazri: Featured in the image caption.
* Safiya Riyaz (ARROW): Provides ⁢a strong quote emphasizing the harm⁢ of medicalization.
* Dr. Christina Pallito (WHO): ⁣ Explains the WHO’s approach to shifting values and behaviors.
* anna af Ugglas (International confederation of midwives – ICM): ‌ Mentioned, ⁤but her⁣ specific contribution isn’t fully included in this excerpt.
* ⁣ World Health Organization (WHO): ⁣ A ​central authority advocating against FGM/C medicalization.
* ARROW: An organization speaking out against the practice.
* Equality Now: Referenced as the source of a report on the prevalence of FGM/C.

Overall Message: The text is a strong condemnation of the medicalization of FGM/C, arguing that ⁤it is not a solution and, in fact, ‌can exacerbate the harm⁤ caused by this harmful practice.It emphasizes the ⁢need for‌ a thorough approach⁣ involving legal ‌frameworks, ethical considerations, ⁤and cultural change, with‍ healthcare professionals playing a key role in prevention and ⁢protection.