What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs. FGM is often performed on girls between the ages of 4 and 14 to ensure their virginity until marriage.

The World Health Organization reports that FGM has no health benefits and can cause serious and often lifelong physical and psychological health problems. 

What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs. FGM is often performed on girls between the ages of 4 and 14 to ensure their virginity until marriage.

The World Health Organization reports that FGM has no health benefits and can cause serious and often lifelong physical and psychological health problems. 

Immediately following the procedure, girls are at risk of severe pain, shock, bleeding, bacterial infection, and injury to nearby tissue. In the long term, women and girls are at risk of recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cysts, infertility, and complications during intercourse and childbirth. Depression, anxiety, PTSD and other psychological issues often follow the trauma of the procedure.

 

FGM FACT SHEET

FGM FAQ



FGM is a Reality in the U.S.

FGM is illegal in the United States but it still takes place

30,956 girls in the U.S. are likely at risk of FGM.

384,714 women and girls in the U.S. are likely living with FGM.

In 2017, the FBI arrested a doctor in Michigan for allegedly cutting up to 100 girls.

Nearly 1,500 girls are estimated to be at risk in the 9 states (+ the District of Columbia) that do not have state legislation against the practice.

 

Groundbreaking New Study Reveals Extent of and Migration Impact on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the U.S.

 

Written by data and FGM/C expert Sean Callaghan, this study breaks new ground in understanding the prevalence, distribution, and impact of FGM/C in the U.S.

This is an invaluable resource for frontline professionals likely to encounter FGM/C cases, community leaders, legislators, and all others dedicated to ending this abusive practice.

Main findings and impact of the study

 

 

For professionals working to address FGM/C in the U.S.:

Not published within the report pages or elsewhere are much more granular maps that can show the specific locations of schools, medical facilities, community centers, and more within areas of practicing communities. Please contact us at [email protected] if this information would be useful to your work.

 

FGM Legislation by State

Our Work

Advocating for Anti-FGM legislation
Gathering support for Anti-FGM legislation
Public outreach and media campaigns
Support for survivors and girls at risk
Trainings for professionals