---
title: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
date: 2022-07-26T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/female-genital-mutilation-fgm"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This widespread practice reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against girls, women, and others assigned female at birth.

> The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; and the right to life, in instances when the procedure results in death.

[View the fact sheet ](https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation)

SOURCE: World Health Organization • LAST UPDATED: February 5, 2024

![13532867063_54b3fa8746_c](data:image/png;base64,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) "Campaign to stop Female Genital Mutilation" by UNAMID/ Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ sexual violence & trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sexual-violence-trauma)
- [child abuse](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/child-abuse)
- [genitals](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/genitals)
- [human rights](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/human-rights)
- [sexual violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-violence)
- [sexism](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexism)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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The Maze of Injustice report examines sexual violence against Indigenous women in the United States and identifies multiple systemic barriers to justice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-report-on-sexual-violence-against-indigenous-women-in-the-us)

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This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo)

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This fact sheet from the World Health Organization outlines noteworthy facts and statistics regarding abortion around the globe.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-key-facts)

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## Abortion Rights for Immigrant Survivors

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This document outlines what attorneys and advocates need to know as they counsel people who are maneuvering the complex intersection of abortion access, the immigration system, and the criminal legal system.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-rights-for-immigrant-survivors)

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## How Past Sexual Abuse or Violence Affects Relationships

How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.

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How does experiencing violence or sexual abuse affect our intimate relationships? The conversation below is excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-how-past-sexual-abuse-or-violence-affects-relationships)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Recommendations for Healing from Abuse

In this conversation, excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality, participants discuss what has helped them cope with past sexual violence and abuse.

![Pexels kampus production 8957659 scaled e1661796856924 jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD5ElEQVRIiW2WW5bjRgxDccGaJWUX2UL2v4ZMt4j5YFXJnRMfWZZtiQ8QBMk/f/8lKa3udOf5zvOkv/M8SUuJhI1NLVbtswtbJkqSpJ9+nuf7eb6+vn9/f//+ev79er6++vux/veFYF/NBYj5fX+Ke+d/nnw/kbQkJYokKfp4TsJShGQDGAwg9vkYJ+MenVA4EcEa63Nsu/OwoXeANuUDlAccTJA2iOP0Nc22YFZLyiRBdG+WUSwkM3ZVtd2UZcsIohAhlONk7GtM2CthwEkkKUgII8n7EltlVlE1bmQLIkV0Gpk0zYl+0LSprD7wR4o8EAkoISwMZaq0TJXKcslksyC0UcjBcFsv01GyOi8LctiDL4bUOLBWUVZZdkxEpFbgZGDgw4cK5JUpfg73eLMsMCxTnrOqVMQWNMqUGOXNgAOOTQWxWnPnB/0mDmFTuMzaNVB5HASQWlESiQRnm7VtN2USlBV52ie6FJsYtvVbgGWVY2QagpSkYylKp2ljGzc2DiXoNYXVCV/H+oRyHZQpZzJg0zLJhEliu92227Yde/irJfwhDmMZJlFzfKgOPkUA6NM7UdocZPYZyo4i1ubjCw74IDmY1m2uTAGsBhQnURO7kk5vH5gJ34Is/MPBxLLz2D5kw2GnHW9JSWIpUSdsfLAdHFpYdJZr6eiDpxI+eWx5m9RkgmPaGEVyOjLJwA9tHKYAFpGUVVVHW0+HjwfzUfijGwg8rSVFxk2M5+3TbNPnCLLqZDBM8pWs7UO6msCZA1x5thwS6JN7cMCTAcpaa91O5vqYOXPtoCHmoduP/zDEdOAcFj1WslatdxzlTiuOOs2RkZ7cAXAGR/Sm+4FPruSfDOa5Y2NbYn5LhySJwp1LnNa50hWICDMIJRGR9WvN1Exm7Iy8RKMykTpq0lFrDriZZpND5MywCd8g1EhrrdrDoNNRd9Lbi0aOo44eyVFHnRht4eIU57U+cjDzzVLWr1pjrgkdKa2kIzpRRyjPjP6WJ5UIRsI4E/yCZoi2vp0MJuAmDwNNQ2+ZOYnYeRJHjlo6MJ89YnuanyfDvWasqtoRM00fD1CiFe2NJm6BqtPoJIEUZlU4eXAvdpK9VjkTrVJRn+F9eblnu0PnQU6cTBKCdxTeTehtHCFW2ZFmQCdyj3Ek9eWpQqvIk1TUe9TIXJX5Sdx9RGHZ3m2QOLnb0x7q80atPFENiKcMs0blbgtnXTx9j6RlO8M8iz4ME9pCPHTQY1XSSUudz6bk7czPtWF/zRpayZt8V8duDRJJcTZBTxfuwHnZ9HMJnr/CGlVRdsNcZb36sW1xVr/9eW54rScXn4/XH1EkfTirg8dzAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

In this conversation, excerpted from an online discussion on relationships, identity, and sexuality, participants discuss what has helped them cope with past sexual violence and abuse.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/conversations-recommendations-for-healing-from-abuse)

[ResourcesRead

## Busting Myths about Bodily Autonomy

This helpful article and video from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) breaks down seven common myths about bodily autonomy.

![aiden-frazier-ivf0a5a6pRA-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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)

This helpful article and video from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) breaks down seven common myths about bodily autonomy.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/busting-myths-about-bodily-autonomy)

[ResourcesRead

## Exploring Neurodiversity through an Intersectional Lens

How does neurodiversity intersect with race, gender, sexuality and other identities, especially in the workplace?

![A Black woman wearing headphones sits on a computer in a dark room](data:image/png;base64,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)

How does neurodiversity intersect with race, gender, sexuality and other identities, especially in the workplace?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/exploring-neurodiversity-through-an-intersectional-lens)