Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
6 June 2006
New York — Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) should be abolished because of its devastating effects on mothers during childbirth, the United Nations World Health Organization said.
In the first ever study on the harmful effects of FGM on women and babies, WHO established serious complications during childbirth that include the need to have a caesarean section.
The study involved 28,393 women at 28 obstetric centres in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and Sudan where FGM is common.
"As a result of this study we have, for the first time, evidence that deliveries among women who have been subject to FGM are significantly more likely to be complicated and dangerous," said Joy Phumaphi, WHO Assistant Director-General for Family and Community Health.
The practice, which currently affects 100 million people worldwide, subjects women to heavy bleeding after birth and prolonged hospitalization, with the degree of complications increasing depending on the extent and severity of the FGM.
Women who have been subjected to FGM III - the most serious form that comprises excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening - will have on average 30 per cent more caesarean sections compared to those who have not had any FGM, according to the study.
There is also a 70 per cent increase in numbers of women who suffer from postpartum haemorrhage in those with FGM III, compared to those who have not undergone the ritual, which is particularly common in Africa.
"FGM is a practice steeped in culture and tradition but it should not be allowed to carry on We must also steadfastly resist the medicalization of FGM. WHO is totally opposed to FGM being carried out by medical personnel," Joy Phumaphi said.
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