There are different types of female genital mutilation know to be practiced today. They include:

FGM/FC: Type I
This includes the complete removal of the hood of the clitoris (clitoridotomy) and may include the partial or total excision of the clitoris (clitoridotomy).

FGM/FC: Type II
This includes clitoridotomy and the partial or total excision of the labia minora. This is the most widely practiced form of FGM.

FGM/FC: Type III
This is called infibulation. It includes all procedures in Type II (clitoridotomy, partial or total excision of the labia minora) and cutting of the labia majora. The two sides of these labia are joined together with stitches, paste or thorns. The labia eventually fuse and cover most of the vaginal opening, with just a small opening remaining for urine and menstrual blood to pass.

FGM/FC: Type IV
This involves other methods not classified in the types above, such as pricking, burning, scarring or stretching the external genitalia.

The origins of the practice are unclear. It predates the rise of Christianity and Islam. There is mention made of Egyptian mummies that display characteristics of FGM/FGC. Historians such as Herodotus claim that in the fifth century BC the Phoenicians, the Hittites and the Ethiopians practised circumcision. It is also reported that circumcision rites were practised in tropical zones of Africa, in the Philippines, by the Incas in Mexico, by certain tribes in the Upper Amazon, and in Australia by women of the Arunta tribe. It also occurred among the early Romans and Arabs. As recent as the 1950s, clitoridectomy was practised in Western Europe and the United States to treat 'ailments' in women as diverse as hysteria, epilepsy, mental disorders, masturbation, nymphomania, melancholia and lesbianism. In other words, the practice of FGM/FGC has been followed by many different peoples and societies across the ages and the continents. How many women and girls are affected by FGM?

It is estimated that over 130 million girls and women have undergone some form of genital mutilation/cutting, and at least 2 million girls are at risk of undergoing the practice every year. How many women and girls are affected in the United States Of America? According to the Center For Disease Control in 1991 it was estimated that over 168,000 girls in the United States were already mutilated or were at risk. Since 1991 there has been no more Data on how much these numbers have increased.

Immediate Negative Physical Consequences can include:

* Death
* Haemorrhage
* Shock
* Pain
* Infection
* Urine retention
* Injury to adjacent tissue
* Potential spread of HIV

Long-Term Negative Physical Consequences can include:

* Anemia11
* Intermittent bleeding
* Urinary tract infections
* Kidney damage
* Incontinence
* Reproductive tract infections
* Chronic pelvic infections
* Infertility
* Cysts
* Scars
* Permanent pain
* Painful sexual intercourse
* Problems in pregnancy and childbirth
* Increased risk of maternal or fetus death during childbirth
* Easier transmission of HIV during sexual intercourse

Negative Psychological Consequences can include:

* Sexual dysfunction in one or both partners
* Reduced sexual sensitivity
* Possible loss of trust in caregivers
* Feelings of incompleteness, anxiety, terror, depression, humiliation, or chronic irritability
* Increased docilitity

Researchers have found that women who have undergone FGM are more likely to experience gynecological and obstetric problems and stillbirth. (Jones 1999; Larsen 2002). Research from The Gambia found women with FGM type II had higher levels of bacterial vaginosis and herpes simplex (which may be associated with HIV infection)

Our organization strongly believes that we most "educate to eradicate" this heinous and barbaric practice.