Global Skin Excision: An In-Depth Look At A Complex Issue

Introduction

Skin excision practices have been a part of cultures around the world for centuries. However, in recent decades certain forms of skin excision known as female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) have come under increased scrutiny from global health and human rights organizations. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at the issues surrounding skin excision on a global scale, including some of the complex cultural, social and ethical factors involved.

Forms and Prevalence of Skin Excision

There are various forms of skin excision, ranging from relatively minor procedures to more severe types that remove or damage sensitive tissue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified FGM/C into four broad types:

Type I - Clitoridectomy which involves partial or total removal of the clitoris.

Type II - Excision which involves partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora.

Type III - Infibulation which involves narrowing of the vaginal opening through creation of a covering seal.

Type IV - Unclassified which includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes.

The exact prevalence of skin excision is difficult to determine due to lack of documentation in many countries. However, WHO estimates around 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of the procedure, mainly in 30 countries in Africa and Middle East. Rates remain high in Somalia (98%), Guinea (96%), Djibouti (93%) and Egypt (87%).

Cultural and Social Factors Driving the Practice

Skin excision, especially FGM/C, remains deeply entrenched in some communities due to complex cultural and social reasons that have been practiced for generations:

Rite of Passage - Seen as a defining moment marking the transition from girl to woman and entrance into adulthood in many ethnic groups. Failure to undergo can result in social exclusion.

Preservation of Chastity and Marriageability - Excision is believed by some to reduce female sexuality and increase faithfulness. Uncut women may be considered unclean and have more difficulty finding suitable husbands.

Social Acceptance - Peer pressure to conform and fit into norms of society also drives continuation of practice in communities where almost all females are cut.

Mistaken Beliefs - Various incorrect beliefs persist such as the view that excision hygienic or increases fertility. Lack of awareness of actual anatomy and childbirth complications contributes to sustainability.

While cultural arguments Global Skin Excision are used to defend the practice, many health experts counter that harmful traditions should adapt to changing times, especially when concerning physical integrity and human rights. Nevertheless, some see cultural sensitivity as important when advocating for change.

Impact on Health and Well-Being

Numerous studies have documented the severe and sometimes fatal health impacts that can result from skin excision, especially types I-III of FGM/C:

Severe Pain - Procedures are most often performed without anesthesia on young girls by traditional practitioners using blades or knives, causing immense pain both during and after the event.

Excessive Bleeding - Heavy bleeding is common, sometimes leading to lethal hemorrhaging or shock in girls who have undergone more severe types. Even when not fatal, anemia is a frequent occurrence.

Genito-urinary Problems - Damage to sensitive tissue often results in difficulties with menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, reduced sexual satisfaction, recurrent infections and urinary tract problems. Complications in childbirth are also increased.

Psychological Trauma - As with other forms of child abuse, individuals who underwent FGM/C non-consensually often suffer from depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder later in life. Feelings of defilement, low self-esteem and problems in close relationships are frequently reported.

Maternal/Newborn Mortality - Medical risks during pregnancy and delivery are increased for women who have undergone excision. Complications such as tearing, bleeding, caesarean sections and problems for the newborn arise due to adhesions and narrowing at the injury site.

Clearly skin excision poses immense physical and psychological risks that undermine health. However, in many practicing communities the full impact is not well understood as traditional beliefs continue to outweigh medical knowledge. Strategies to curb the tradition are challenged by entrenched cultural factors.

Ethical Considerations and the Debate for Change

At the international level, FGM/C is recognized as a violation of human rights of girls and women. Major global organizations including WHO, UNICEF and UNFPA now support legislation banning the practice and recommend categorizing all forms as harmful.

However, some activists caution that a universal approach risks undermining local acceptance or driving the procedure underground due to perceptions of foreign interference with traditions. Collaborating with community advocates is seen by others as the key to changing social norms within practicing cultures themselves.

Overall, the sensitive issue triggers diverse views in the debate on cultural relativism versus universal human rights. While most agree that consent is central and girls deserve protection, others argue communities should retain autonomy to define their own traditions. There are no easy or uncontroversial solutions to eradicating a complex social custom so entwined with identity in some ethnic groups globally.

The Way Forward

Despite challenges, progress has occurred through integrated efforts focusing on education, empowerment, community dialogue and legislative support. Demonstrating positive health and social impacts of abandoning excision in some practicing families provides opportunity for grassroots behavioral change. International initiatives now concentrate on:

Promoting women's empowerment and leadership within practicing communities

Improving access to services such as maternal care and psychosocial support

Training of traditional cutters in alternative livelihoods

Educating on human rights, informed consent and sexual/reproductive health

Monitoring abandonment trend data in targeted locations

Enacting and enforcing clear national laws providing legal deterrent

With open-minded collaboration rather than condemnation, balancing human rights with cultural sensitivity, ongoing efforts show promise that one day this harmful legacy can be ended through community-driven reform respectful of diverse local contexts across countries.

Conclusion

Skin excision practices represent deeply complex social and cultural issues that have persisted over generations in some geographic regions. While eliminating gender-based violence and upholding consent for medical procedures are vital principles, any proposals must navigate the intricate realities within practicing communities. With inclusive,

For more insights, read-https://www.newsstatix.com/global-skin-excision-trends-size-and-share-analysis/