By YJ
 
FGM, otherwise Female genital mutilation locally “Female circumcision” is the cutting of the female’s clitoris. This topic is one of the most confused. For one, it is a whole chapter of differences: Western believes Vs. Traditional believes. Some has attached it to religion as well. Some respected imams in the Gambia especially, argued in favor of the practice with emphasis that it is not “mutilation” but rather “circumcision.”  Others will question the difference of the two words. That will not be my argument here. 
 
Those that support the practice said that it controls the excessiveness of sexual desire and make the woman control such moods with true satisfaction after intercourse. 
 
Those that don’t support it argued that the act is cruel and meant to tame the woman’s sexual feelings. Further, the fear for a ‘scar and wound’ which would always live to hurt the woman during birth, intercourse and urination is disturbing. 
 
Locally, we know traditional doctors use one knife to practice it on a lot of people at the same time. These blades never get sterilized. It leaves many vulnerable to blood transmitted diseases like HIV Aids. 
 
The case for men is different. We know that it is healthy to remove the foreskin to expose the “head”, so as to clean dirt of urine and sperm that can accumulate around the “head.”  It is also a known fact that during sexual intercourse, ejaculation would need to empty out to the recipient, and otherwise union and production of offspring will never materialize. 
 
As I piece this, I also intend to find out the teachings of the Holy Scriptures on this subject matter. All is certain; the process creates bleeding of blood. 
 
In the case of plants and flowers, it is ok to prune them all the time. That gives them better canopies and growth. These are also living things. Could it be that a similitude holds? I truly don’t know. I also have a daughter, so this matter concerns me. I am sure, it concerns others too. The truth is what we are after so let it gush forth with the help of God whose wisdom and knowledge supersedes everything. 
 
If you have an answer, please sincerely share it with reference to tradition, health wise, religion and et cetera…
 
Regards,
YJ
 
 
 
 
 


Norway accuses Gambian couple of circumcising daughters: report
3 days ago
OSLO (AFP) — Norwegian police accused a Gambian couple on Friday of subjecting five daughters to genital mutilation in the country's first-ever case against the illegal act of female circumcision.
"The father and mother are accused under laws against genital mutilation because they are suspected of contributing to the circumcision of five of their six daughters," Hanne Kristin Rohde, a police official told NRK radio.
Only two of the six children who are aged between three and 14 live in Norway, although the others -- who live in West Africa's Gambia, with the man's two other wives -- have Norwegian passports. These include a three-year old who has not yet been circumcised.
Rohde made it clear that Norway's public child protection agency would be entrusted with caring for all the children.
Their father, a 41 year-old whose identity has not been disclosed, is expected to appear before a judge with authorities seeking his detention. Their mother, due to give birth to a seventh child, is said to be too weak to spend time behind bars.
Rohde said Norwegian laws against female genital mutilation carry a prison term of several years depending on the severity of the case. 


 
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