Genital modification and mutilation

Genital mutilation is a term used for various types of alteration of the genitals for non-medical purposes.

In the American Heritage Dictionary it is defined as:

"The cutting or excision of all or some of the genital organs, especially ritualistic clitoridectomy."

Issues surrounding genital mutilation became prominent in the English-speakeng world in the latter quarter of the 20th century, when opponents of female genital mutilation (FGM) made Westerners aware of the practice in African and Muslim countries. It should be noted, however, that FGM is a social practice, not a religious one.

Opposition against male genital mutilation (mostly in the form of circumcision) has also grown during the same time, especially in countries without a tradition of that type of rituals. Advocates of circumcision (both male and female) are opposed the term as they find find the word mutilate to be very negatively loaded.

Voluntary mutilation

In some cases, people have volunteered to have parts of their genitals cut off or impaled with spikes or rings (see BDSM, body piercing).

Involuntary mutilation

Mutilation can be used as punishment for rape, adultery or other proscribed sexual practices, some societies have engaged in castration or penectomy. This is very rare in the modern West.

In most cases ritual genital mutilation is performed on infants or children without consent.

See also: disfigurement

External links

• "US also practices genital mutilation" - editorial by opponent of male circumcision
• Dmoz Genital Mutilation