The Biological and Psychological Problems that are the Fault of this Cultural Practice

 Going more into the procedure of genital mutilation in Kenya, it begin in 1929 by the Kikuyu tribe. It became a rite of passage for girls as those who did not proceed with the practice were viewed as children for abandoning some parts of their body that made them sexual beings. The procedure in itself usually involves the removal of the clitoris, which is referred to as the ‘Type 2’ surgery of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) http://www.path.org/files/FGM-The-Facts.htm It may also involve the removal of the inner and outer labia and the destruction of most of the vulva, leaving only a small opening for urine and menstrual blood.

Health problems that come along with this are:

· Intense pain either during or after the procedure if anesthetics are not provided for the patient or if the numbing effect does not work well enough.

· Blood hemorrhages that can lead to the circumcised girl having anemia.

· Wound infections; about one of twelve girls due to developing these wounds alone.

· Damage to other organs by using unskilled tools, operators or both (though, with what they’re doing to these young girls, what’s the difference?)

          Not to mention, the psychological problems about sexuality that these girls will most likely have later in life due to being taught that they are unworthy of having a husband if they are not circumcised. Take Lily Chebet, for example of whom was taken to grandmother’s house to be circumcised. “They said that if I wasn’t circumcised, I would never get married and that no man would ever want me,” she said. http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Parents%20disown%20girls%20for%20evading%20the%20cut/-/1056/1102708/-/kdcr7jz/-/index.html

      "Today, the most common reason evoked for supporting FGM is the belief that the practice is a "good tradition". Other reasons include religious requirement(s); rite of passage to womanhood; cleanliness; prevention of promiscuity among girls; preservation of virginity; better marriage prospects; enhancement of male sexuality; prevention of excessive clitoral growth; and facilitation of childbirth by widening the birth canal."

       The fact that the girl's virginity is preserved and not the male's should tell you that this is one-sided and based on the primitive concept that a female is only worthy if she is a 'pure virgin'. Apparently, 'better marriage prospects' can only occur if the female is prohibited from feeling sexual pleasure and that her husband is only receiving sexual pleasure. Also, along with the fact that, oh heaven forbid, that her clitoris grows more and she's not having part of what makes her a sexual human taken away from her while her genitals being butchered means more good old times for her husband. Also, what's to say that her husband would cheat on his wife? Will he face the degree of punishment that his wife went through?