Female genital mutilation in Britain

Much has been written about female genital mutilation in Africa, but little attention has been paid to its existence in Britain.Though it has been illegal in this country since 1985, it is practised secretly or children are sent abroad to have the operation.From the social worker's point of view it is technically a form of child abuse which poses special problems.Black and Debelle review the historical background of female genital mutilation and describe its medical complications.Gallard discusses the problem in France, and Walder considers why such mutilation still continues in Britain.This article is concerned with female genital mutilation in Britain.The term is preferable to female circum- cision, which is inaccurate and implies a minor opera- tion equivalent to male circumcision.In many cultures the operation entails an extensive mutilation, with pro- found social, sexual, and medical consequences. Historical backgroundIt is uncertain when female genital mutilation was first practised, but it certainly preceded the founding ofboth Christianity and Islam.There is no basis for the belief that the procedure was advocated or approved by Mohammed nor is it in any way part of the Islamic faith.Though the operation is largely confined to Muslims, it is also performed in certain Christian communities in Africa.Female genital mutilation is practised in various forms in over 20 African countries and also in Oman, the Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates and by some Muslims in Malaysia and Indonesia'; it is not practised in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, or Saudi Arabia.