What is female genital cutting (FGC)?
The terms female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision, and female genital mutilation (FGM) are all used to describe the cultural practice of partly or totally removing portions of the external female genitalia. FGC ranges in severity from removing the clitoris with or without removing all or part of the labia. The minor form of FGC is when the clitoris is removed. The most severe form of FGC is when all external genitalia are removed and the vaginal opening is stitched nearly closed. Only a small opening is left for urine and menstrual blood.
Female genital cutting (FGC) is the collective name given to traditional practices that involve the partial or total cutting away of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genitals, whether for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. 1,2 Historically, it has been also called “female genital mutilation” or “female circumcision.
