JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Volume 274, Issue 21, 1995, Pages 1714-1716

Female Genital Mutilation (Article)

Davis R.M. , Genel M. , Howe J.P., III. , Karlan M.S. , Kennedy W.R. , Numann P.J. , Riggs J.A. , Heights H. , Douglas Skelton W. , Slanetz P.J. , Spillman M.A. , Williams M. , Young D.C. , Allen J.R.* , Rinaldi R.C. , Gettleman L. , Bresolin L.B.
  • a Lansing, Mich, United States
  • b New Haven, Conn, United States
  • c (Vice-Chair), San Antonio, Tex, United States
  • d Beverly Hills, Calif, United States
  • e Minneapolis, Minn, United States
  • f Syracuse, NY, United States
  • g (Chair), Macon, Ga, United States
  • h (Chair), Macon, Ga, United States
  • i (Chair), Macon, Ga, United States
  • j Boston Mass, United States
  • k Dallas, Tex, United States
  • l Baltimore, Md, United States
  • m Iowa City, Iowa, United States
  • n Group on Science, Technology, and Public Health, American Medical Association, 515 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States
  • o [Affiliation not available]
  • p [Affiliation not available]
  • q [Affiliation not available]

Abstract

Female genital mutilation is the medically unnecessary modification of female genitalia. Female genital mutilation typically occurs at about 7 years of age, but mutilated women suffer severe medical complications throughout their adult lives. Female genital mutilation most frequently occurs in Africa, the Middle East, and Muslim parts of Indonesia and Malaysia, and it is generally part of a ceremonial induction into adult society. Recent political and economic problems in these regions, however, have increased the numbers of students and refugees to the United States. Consequently, US physicians are treating an increasing number of mutilated patients. The Council on Scientific Affairs recommends that US physicians join the World Health Organization, the World Medical Association, and other major health care organizations in opposing all forms of medically unnecessary surgical modification of the female genitalia. (JAMA. 1995;274:1714-1716). © 1995, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

World Health legislation circumcision genital tract infection human Middle East Ethics, Medical priority journal United States septicemia neuroma female genital system American Medical Association Clinical Approach/Source surgical injury female Health Care and Public Health epidermoid cyst shock Professional Organizations Review Africa Malaysia Indonesia International Aspects cultural factor Circumcision, Female Organizational Policy Females World Medical Association bleeding Historical Aspects adult world health organization Cultural Characteristics tetanus Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0028807106&doi=10.1001%2fjama.1995.03530210068033&partnerID=40&md5=24aee4675335669cc06f0259d7e16972
DOI: 10.1001/jama.1995.03530210068033
ISSN: 00987484
Cited by: 56
Original Language: English