text: Female genital mutilation is a very current topic that could use more publicity and support so if your article will reach an audience that can spread the word it may be worth doing. It's controversial in that the men in these 28 African countries still performing the procedure refuse to stop carrying out the procedures on their daughters, sisters etc as they believe without it the women are unclean and they believ that woment shouldn't feel sexual pleasure.  I warn you however that some of the stories you will read are horiffic. I have gathered this basic information from WHO for you in case you decide to chose this topic and their contact details are at the end if you want more information:\n\nWhat is female genital mutilation?\n\nFemale genital mutilation (FGM), often referred to as 'female circumcision', comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons. There are different types of female genital mutilation known to be practised today. They include:\n\nType I - excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or all of the clitoris; \nType II - excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora; \nType III - excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening (infibulation); \nType IV - pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia; stretching of the clitoris and/or labia; cauterization by burning of the clitoris and surrounding tissue; \nscraping of tissue surrounding the vaginal orifice (angurya cuts) or cutting of the vagina (gishiri cuts); \nintroduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina to cause bleeding or for the purpose of tightening or narrowing it; and any other procedure that falls under the definition given above. \nThe most common type of female genital mutilation is excision of the clitoris and the labia minora, accounting for up to 80% of all cases; the most extreme form is infibulation, which constitutes about 15% of all procedures.\n\nHealth consequences of FGM\n\nThe immediate and long-term health consequences of female genital mutilation vary according to the type and severity of the procedure performed.\n\nImmediate complications include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage, urine retention, ulceration of the genital region and injury to adjacent tissue. Haemorrhage and infection can cause death.\n\nMore recently, concern has arisen about possible transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) due to the use of one instrument in multiple operations, but this has not been the subject of detailed research.\n\nLong-term consequences include cysts and abscesses, keloid scar formation, damage to the urethra resulting in urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) and sexual dysfunction and difficulties with childbirth.\n\nPsychosexual and psychological health: Genital mutilation may leave a lasting mark on the life and mind of the woman who has undergone it. In the longer term, women may suffer feelings of incompleteness, anxiety and depression.\n\nWho performs FGM, at what age and for what reasons?\n\nIn cultures where it is an accepted norm, female genital mutilation is practiced by followers of all religious beliefs as well as animists and non believers. FGM is usually performed by a traditional practitioner with crude instruments and without anaesthetic. Among the more affluent in society it may be performed in a health care facility by qualified health personnel. WHO is opposed to medicalization of all the types of female genital mutilation.\n\nThe age at which female genital mutilation is performed varies from area to area. It is performed on infants a few days old, female children and adolescents and, occasionally, on mature women.\n\nThe reasons given by families for having FGM performed include:\n\npsychos