The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) as a social custom had its origins in ancient times. Generally, communities performing FGM consider the practice an important part of their cultural tradition and societal requirements. They also erroneously think of it as a religious duty, according to local NGOs and international organisations concerned. Overcoming this problem requires constant efforts to be exerted by the whole of society. Criminalisation of FGM is regarded as recognition that this practice is an outrageous assault on human rights. Criminalising FGM is a sound step, serving as a deterrent and sending a message of support to those who have given up this practice. Figures reveal that that average age of young girls exposed to this practice ranges between seven and ten years. Some extremist Islamists have made a renewed call for FGM by medical practitioners and for abolishing the law that criminalises this procedure, which is resisted by obstetricians and gynaecologists, representing the Ministry of Health and affiliated institutions. They have issued a statement objecting to this call and emphasising their “responsibility for women's health, medically and psychologically". The law was issued after great efforts were made over many years by the Ministry of Health and NGOs, “which have been crowned by the announcement that a number of Egyptian villages are now FGM free" the gynaecologists noted. The Egyptian Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ESOG) has declared previously that what is called female genital mutilation is not a recognised medical practice and is therefore not included in medical curriculum. It does not feature in the training courses for physicians after their graduation other than focusing on the harm it inflicts, physically and psychologically, on FGM victims. ESOG representatives recently held a press conference in Cairo to stress that there is no medical need for or health benefits resulting from FGM. On the contrary, the procedure and subsequent complications negatively affect women's reproductive health throughout their life. Serious complications may occur while FGM is being carried out, having an impact on the girl when she gets married and becomes pregnant, affecting her foetus upon delivery. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics issued a statement in 1994, which called for gynaecological and obstetric associations to urge governments to support the efforts being made to ban FGM. Additionally, gynaecologists and obstetricians have to keep informing legislators, policymakers and teachers of the consequences and dangers of FGM. During the meeting, gynaecologists and obstetricians appealed to all Egyptian physicians working in different specialisations to raise citizens' awareness of the hazards of FGM. They also appealed to the Ministry of Health and Association of Doctors to activate the Law on FGM, Article No. 242 of which stipulates that anyone who causes injury through performing female genital mutilation should be jailed for between three months and two years, or be fined between LE1,000 and LE5,000. But why do some healthcare providers agree to perform female genital mutilation? Studies have shown that, in certain countries, some healthcare providers see the practice as harmless, while others are also motivated by the opportunity for financial gain. The conference stressed that FGM is a precept neither in Islam nor Christianity – these religions do not support such premeditated mutilation of the female body, something created by God. Most Arab and Islamic countries do not practise FGM, which is historically believed to be a Pharaonic-African custom. Law on FGM, article no 242 stipulates that any one who has caused injury through performing female genital mutilation shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than three months and not more than two years, or a fine of no less than Egyptian one thousand pounds and not exceeding five thousands pounds. But a crucial question is why do some health–care providers agree to perform female genital mutilation? Studies have showed that in certain countries some health-care providers see the practice as harmless while others are also motivated by the opportunity for financial gain. The conference stressed that FGM is not a precept in both Islam and Christianity, which do not support such premeditated mutilation of the female body that God honoured and created in the best form. Most Arab and Islamic countries do not practice FGM, which essentially is a Pharaonic-African custom.
