De-colonising FGM a paper in BMJ

[Imnobody4]

Harms of the current global anti-FGM campaign

Abstract

Traditional female genital practices, though long-standing in many cultures, have become the focus of an expansive global campaign against ‘female genital mutilation’ (FGM). In this article, we critically examine the harms produced by the anti-FGM discourse and policies, despite their grounding in human rights and health advocacy. We argue that a ubiquitous ‘standard tale’ obscures the diversity of practices, meanings and experiences among those affected. This discourse, driven by a heavily racialised and ethnocentric framework, has led to unintended but serious consequences: the erosion of trust in healthcare settings, the silencing of dissenting or nuanced community voices, racial profiling and disproportionate legal surveillance of migrant families. Moreover, we highlight a troubling double standard that legitimises comparable genital surgeries in Western contexts while condemning similar procedures in others. We call for more balanced and evidence-based journalism, policy and public discourse—ones that account for cultural complexity and avoid the reductive and stigmatising force of the term ‘mutilation’. A re-evaluation of advocacy strategies is needed to ensure that they do not reproduce the very injustices they aim to challenge.

https://jme.bmj.com/content/early/2025/09/25/jme-2025-110961

“we adopt the more neutral expression ‘female genital practices’ throughout this paper. This term allows us to refer inclusively and descriptively to a diverse set of practices without prejudging their ethical, medical or cultural status.”

Can I roll my eyes harder than I already have?

Moreover, we highlight a troubling double standard that legitimises comparable genital surgeries in Western contexts while condemning similar procedures in others.

What are the comparable genital surgeries?

I figured it was sex-transition surgeries?

Maybe, instead of the euphemistic ‘female genital practices’, they should have used a clear, objective description of the ‘practices’ and the subsequent implications for the victim?

I have often thought that the move against FGM would eventually throw a light on some trans affirming surgery. I had never imagined that the balance would tip in the direction of deciding FGM wasn’t so bad after all 😱

The sharp distinction drawn by Western publics between ‘traditional’ (‘FGM’) and biomedically approved (‘FGCS’, female genital cosmetic surgery) female genital practices also maintains the hegemony of the standard tale.7 8 29–32 Labiaplasty, a cosmetic surgery in which the female genitals are pared and reshaped, is gaining popularity in the Global North. Some of its forms fall squarely within the WHO’s guidelines as FGM, type 2, and possibly type 3.31

Are young women being forced into having a labiaplasty?

I thought they were generally regarded as regressive and unnecessary?

I assumed circumcision which is terrible but not comparable.

they seem to have completely forgotten that fgm happened in white western Victorian times

read some Alice Walker people ffs!

Has anyone else ever come across this organisation? I discovered it almost accidentally through a link to a Facebook friend. https://www.shiftingsands.org.uk/

https://theconversation.com/the-rise-and-fall-of-fgm-in-victorian-london-38327

TL:DR: We're so woke we actually support FGM.

I remember the days of trying to get Amnesty International to act on FGM (A long, long time ago, when I was still a member) and people did raise some of these points then but overall I think it's still obvious that supporting / enabling / allowing / ignoring FGM is to support horrendous human rights abuses and no amount of claims of cultural relativity (yes, even if you've just heard of it for the first time and think you must be cleverer than everyone else) can get you out of that.

AI written?

em dash (—)

Anne Wells FGM in Glasgow

I was surprised how prevalent this has become in Glasgow, 1,200 cases in the last 5 years.

Bloody hell that’s horrific

Anything written in that obfuscating word salad is written by someone not as intelligent as they're trying to look and is not to be trusted, and that's before you start unpacking the varied agendas in here.

Was it the BMJ who published to doc Dr Christian Jenson saying sex with children is fine if it’s culturally appropriate?

Guess this is what people mean when they say you go so far left that you end up being right wing.

They’ve really come full circle if they’re now arguing in favour of FGM.

This plus so called cosmetic procedures like labioplasty etc?

Fucks sake.
I will form my opinions on FGM by listening to the woman who have had it done to them and who campaign against it.
And I won't trust anyone who doesn't listen to those women.

Yes. I haven't read it all yet, but labiaplasty is definitely mentioned.

A very good example of horseshoe theory here

I only skimmed through it, but that was very much my impression.

"But, circumcision..."
"But, designer vaginas..." 🙄

As a midwife I had a woman stagger onto Labour ward in agony. She was unable to speak English and when we got her on a bed we could see why she was in agony. There was a baby’s head pushing on her perineum, but she was almost ‘sealed up’ by FGM.

‘Mutilation’ is the correct word.

What a load of crap! I'm so angry I could snap the neck of the utter prick who wrote this if he were in front of me. I'm out of words. I'm just fucking furious

Was she booked in your hospital? If so, Why wasnt she recognised as a woman with Type 3 FGM and referred for deinfibulation at 20/40? Sounds like the clinical care there is substandard.