Female genital mutilation cause severe bleeding and health issues including cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth increased risk of newborn deaths.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is February 6
Globally, it is estimated that 100 million to 140 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), according to the United Nations Population Fund.
Health effects of FGM/C include bleeding, shock, infection, infertility and risk of childbirth complications, including newborn death.
Governments, nongovernmental organizations and religious leaders, like Imam Mohamed Magid, condemn the practice. “Those who believe that FGM is a religious practice, they misunderstand the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him,” says Magid.
FGM/C is concentrated in 29 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, but it is also practiced in diaspora communities in other parts of the world. Join the fight to #ENDFGM.