Male Circumcision and Female Genital Mutilation

Genital changes encompass a range of practices that alter the external genitalia for medical, cultural, religious, or social reasons. These include procedures such as male circumcision and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Male Circumcision
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Male Circumcision

Male circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin, which covers and protects the head (glans) of the penis. Rates of circumcision vary greatly between countries and regions of the world. The decision to circumcise is often influenced by religion, ethnicity, social and cultural norms, and sometimes by hygienic or medical concerns.

Position statements issued by health related associations in various countries differ in their endorsement of circumcision as a beneficial medical procedure. It is best to speak with your doctor to learn more about this procedure and to determine if it’s right for you or your son.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation

According to the World Health Organization, female genital mutilation includes all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice of female genital mutilation is heavily influenced by religion, ethnicity, and cultural and social norms in certain countries and regions of the world. The decision to undergo female genital mutilation is often made for a girl or woman by her family or community.

Female genital mutilation is internationally recognized as a harmful practice and a violation of girls’ and women’s rights to life, physical integrity, and health. Immediate and long-term health risks and complications can be serious and life-threatening. Performing or assisting in female genital mutilation is a criminal offence in Canada.

The SOGC is opposed to female genital mutilation, but recognizes that women who have been subjected to it are often discriminated against, and do require, as every woman does, compassionate medical care and attention.

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