The cutting of the female genitals.
Female Genital Mutilation (previously known as female circumcision) is categorized into four defined types by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Type 1 is close in form to male circumcision. It cuts off the prepuce or clitoral foreskin. Sometimes this involves cutting off some or all of the exposed part of the clitoris, sometimes not.
Type 2 involves cutting off the prepuce, the exposed part of the clitoris, and part or all of the labia minora.
Type 3 involves doing type 1 or type 2 and also sewing up the vaginal opening (infibulation). Typically the vaginal opening is sew up again after each birth. This is the kind that can cause a lifetime of bleeding and pain.
Type 4 is a grab-bag involving burning or piercing or pricking and although these might sound even creepier than the others, they usually leave most of the tissue in place.
References:
- Wikipedia entry for Female Genital Mutilation - FGM
- Think Globally, Act Locally, The Circumcision Edition
