infibulation

Infibulation, also known as Type III female genital mutilation (FGM), narrows the vaginal opening by creating a seal through cutting and repositioning the labia or clitoral hood and then suturing the tissue. The clitoris is typically removed, and the labia minora and/or majora are excised or reshaped, leaving only a small external opening for urine and menstrual blood.

It is practiced in parts of Africa and the Middle East, especially in the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions, and among some diaspora communities. It is rooted in cultural beliefs about purity, modesty, and marriageability. It is not mandated by any major religion, though some adherents attribute religious justification.

Health effects include severe pain and bleeding at the time of the procedure, risk of infection, urinary and menstrual problems, and obstetric complications such as obstructed labor. Long-term consequences can include sexual dysfunction, scar tissue, and psychological distress. The practice has no health benefits and is widely recognized as a human rights violation.

Estimates indicate that about 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, with Type III most common in several regions. Many countries have enacted laws banning FGM, while international health and human rights organizations advocate abandonment and provide survivor care and community programs.