The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Harm of Female Genital Mutilation

Abstract

Although female genital mutilation (FGM) is sometimes regarded as an archaic ritual that was once practiced thousands of miles away, millions of girls around the globe and in the United States remain at risk. The World Health Organization has defined FGM as injury of, including the partial or total removal of, the female genitalia or organs for non-medical reasons. Much attention has been paid to the devastating physical harm caused by FGM, but not enough is known about the mental health effects of FGM on women and girls.