Phil Prendergast (Labour)

When talking about female genital mutilation, FGM, it is important that we recognise there is a clash between culture and medicine. The WHO defines FGM as any procedure involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. However, the process of globalisation shows that, in the places where these practices most commonly take place, there is a trend towards westernisation. Western media are embraced, as are music, clothes and codes of behaviour. Leaving aside subtle arguments relating primarily to the West, one of the positive aspects of the spread of western popularculture is that it preaches a message of individuality, human rights and tolerance.

Why does FGM persist? The rationale for its continuance varies across regions and cultures. In every society in which it is practised FGM is an expression of gender inequality. Women consistently have less access to power, resources and education than men and are also more vulnerable to sexual and physical violence because of the socially constructed roles assigned to them. Control over women, their bodies and sexuality is a key mechanism in sustaining gender inequality.

The issue of tolerance creates a tension for those who say FGM is an abuse of human rights because it is an abuse of bodily integrity. Opposing FGM and other cultural and religious practices rings of cultural colonisation. However, within those cultures where FGM is practised there is also great resistance among those who value their cultural and religious heritage. The argument ultimately falls when we focus on the central reason for outlawing FGM. We in the West place greater store in science than religion, but in this case the science is medicine. There are few countries or cultures that fail to recognise that one is entitled to one's good health. This is why right-thinking people oppose FGM.

In my professional career I have cared for people who have had the procedure carried out on them and know at first hand the difficulties it presents. The long-term complications include sexual frigidity, genital malformation, delayed menarche, chronic pelvic complications, recurrent urinary retention and infection and an entire range of obstetric complications. It is in respect of obstetric complications that I witnessed at first hand the difficulties women experienced. Special training is required to deal with women who have had the entire procedure carried out.

"Sunna" circumcision consists of the removal of the prepuce or tip of the clitoris. Clitoridectomy, also referred to as excision, consists of the removal of the entire clitoris and adjacent labia. Infibulation is the most extreme form and consists of the removal of the clitoris, the adjacent labia - majora and minora - and the joining of the scraped sides of the vulva across the vagina, where they are secured with thorns or sewn with catgut or thread. A small opening is kept to allow the passage of urine and menstrual blood. An infibulated woman must be cut open to allow intercourse on the wedding night and is closed again afterwards to secure fidelity to the husband. It is the most barbaric of procedures and has no place in our culture. We must accept it has taken place which is why this Bill is so important for women.

FGM is abhorrent not because it is a cultural or religious practice but because it is highly dangerous. The complications from bladder infections alone must be borne in mind. The mutilation is such that women have continuous bladder infections. Leaving aside the other aspects, it is socially restricting in every sense of the word. Women experience real difficulty in achieving and carrying a pregnancy. Difficulties arise due to anatomical distortion resulting from the mutilation of the genitalia. FGM interferes with obstetric procedures when delivering a baby and affects the outcome. There is fear of complications in regard to the baby.

The long-term psychological well-being of the mother is very much affected by FGM. The physiological effects are well documented. If in our society one has a recurrent urinary tract infection, the reason is usually pregnancy. Where there is FGM, it is because of the procedure. Pregnancy presents an additional complication to the women affected. FGM results in their having a very unsatisfactory life in every sense of the word. In the drive to eliminate FGM as a practice anywhere on the planet our conscience is absolutely clear.