AMERICAN-BORN GIRLS FROM FAMILIES THAT HAVE EMIGRATED FROM REGIONS THAT STILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PRACTICE OF FGM ARE AT RISK; ALLEGED NEWS.[1]
Federal Law prohibits FGM [Female Genital Mutilation] on US soil. However, some families opt to send girls abroad to be cut, a practice known as 'vacation cutting'' Alleged News. [1]
Minnesota rate of at-risk girls
According to the Population Reference Bureau, Minnesota has the highest rate of at-risk girls with over 80 per 10,000 female residents; Alleged News.
This endangers American-born girls from families who have recently emigrated from regions that participate in FGM; Alleged News. [1]
FGM Health Risks
FGM brings a lifetime of pain to survivors, as well as medical problems such as infertility, frequent bladder infections and complications during childbirth. [1]
According to the World Health Organization, health risks of FGM include;
Short-term health risks
Severe pain
Excessive bleeding [haemorrhage]
Shock
Genital tissue swelling
Infection possible connection
HIV possible connection
Urination problems
Impaired wound healing
Death
Psychological consequences [2]
Long-term health risks from Types I, II and III
Pain due to tissue damage and scarring that may result in trapped or unprotected nerve endings
Chronic genital infections with consequent chronic pain, and vaginal discharge and itching. Cysts, abscesses and genital ulcers may appear
Chronic reproductive tract infections
Urinary tract infections. If not treated, such infections can ascend to the kidneys, potentially resulting in renal failure, septicaemia and death
Painful urination
Menstrual problems
Keloids
HIV possible connection
Female sexual health difficulties
Obstetric complications. FGM is associated with an increased risk of Caesarean section, post-partum haemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labor, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental deliveries, prolonged labor, extended maternal hospital stay
Obstetric fistula possible connection
Perinatal risks; Obstetric complications can result in a higher incidence of infant resuscitation at delivery and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal death
Psychological consequences; post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], anxiety disorders and depression [2]
Which Laws Protect Girls from FGM in the US?
The Federal Law Addressing FGM in the US is 18 U.S. Code
§ 116 - Female Genital Mutilation. [3] and [4]
The Law makes it illegal to perform FGM in the U.S., or to knowingly transport a girl out of the U.S. for purpose of inflicting FGM. 23 States in the U.S. also have laws against FGM.
The States of Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Nevada and New Jersey have a 'vacation provision' as part of their state laws prohibiting FGM; Alleged News. [3]
Why not sign the Petition?
Minnesota has high rate of at risk girls, but reportedly does not have an additional state law to prevent vacation cutting; Alleged News. [1]
Why not sign the Petition asking for Minnesota to be added to the list of states, Alleged News. [1]
FGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBvqW9Jde7A
[1] Protect American Girls from Female Genital Mutilation; Alleged News
https://forcechange.com/153535/protect-american-girls-from-female-genital-mutilation/?utm_source=ForceChange+Newsletter&utm_campaign=973fe2f8d5-621FC3_7_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_600a6911b9-973fe2f8d5-297230217
[2] World Health Organization; Health Risks of Female Genital Mutilation [FGM]; Alleged News
http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/fgm/health_consequences_fgm/en/
[3] Equality Now Factsheet
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the United States; Alleged News
http://www.equalitynow.org/sites/default/files/EN_FAQ_FGM_in_US.pdf
[4] Legal Information Institute
18 U.S. Code § 116 - Female Genital Mutilation
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/116
America's Underground Female Genital Mutilation Crisis; Alleged News
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/06/11/america-s-underground-female-genital-mutilation-crisis.html
The AHA Foundation; Female Genital Mutilation; Alleged News
http://www.theahafoundation.org/female-genital-mutilation/
With thanks to Youtube, forcechange.com, who.int, equlitynow.org, law.cornell.edu, thedailybeast.com and the ahafoundation.org
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