Medically Unnecessary Female Genital Alteration

Abstract

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Medically unnecessary female genital alteration (MUFGA) aka female genital mutilation or female circumcision is a cultural practice in several countries in the Middle East and Africa. There are four major types of MUFGA where parts of external genitalia of a girl are removed to varying levels leading to several complications such as infection, hemorrhage, obstetric complications, and even death. The United Nations has condemned this practice and called for abolition of MUFGA. However, this practice is continued in these countries, and when people migrate, they continue the practice. It is considered abuse or violation of human rights. Knowledge about MUFGA is scanty among health care providers in the West. This brief article attempts to raise awareness among health care providers, particularly nurses, so that they will provide the right care, both physical and emotional, to the girls and women who have experienced having MUFGA.