Female circumcision involves the cutting, alteration or mutilation of female genitals. There are many different types of female circumcision. Type I involves partial or total removal of the clitoris. Type II involves partial of total removal of the labia minora, along with removal of the clitoris. Type III involves the sewing together of the labia majora in order to cover both the urethra and vagina, removal of the labia minora, and removal of the clitoris. Type III is also called infibulation or pharaonic circumcision and has been outlawed in many countries. Many justify this process in saying that it encourages better hygiene, preserves virginity and protects against unwanted pregnancies, and upholds family honor and faithfulness. Origins of this practice are both religious and cultural.

Many complications and side effects come along side with this practice. Scarring and pregnancy and childbirth problems are some of the many. However, a girl who did not have her clitoris removed was considered unlucky and fatal to both her family and lover. Educating cultures about the negatives affects and consequences of female circumcision has been tried, but the subject is still extremely controversial in many communities and cultures, especially in countries like Somalia, Sudan, Mali, Guinea, and Egypt.

Male circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin. In some places in African and Australia, it is considered a right of passage, and it is also a common practice among certain religions such as Judaism and Islam. According to WHO about 33% of the world’s males are circumcised. Circumcision has no effect on sex and risks are rare; the practice can reduce prostate cancer, UTIs, STDs, and can reduce the risk of HIV. Male circumcision can be performed both by surgical and nonsurgical processes. A nonsurgical method would take about a week to complete. Controversies over this subject include the ideas that the baby himself should choose, at a more mature age, and that foreskin is not a birth defect.

Reflective Tag: Circumcision for males and females is very different. For males, a lot of benefits can be found; it can protect from STDs and help reduce the chances of getting other STDs, UTIs, and even prostate cancer. Female circumcision is a bit more extreme, and tends to aim for this idea of preservation and purity. Overall, I believe whosever body it is should have the choice to do what they want with it. Knowing that all cultures see things through a different lens, it is my hope that the world is continually educated on circumcision and its effects, both positive and negative.