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Genital modification and mutilation

(Redirected from Genital mutilation)

Genital modification and genital mutilation are controversial terms. Both can refer to permanent or temporary changes to the human genitals, but they are used differently by different people, with little consensus on their use.

Contents

Terminology

In describing changes made to the genitals, the choice of one term over the other reflects the speaker's political, religious, cultural or other beliefs. While there are common definitions for both words, in the context of changes to the human genitals there is no one accepted definition for either "mutilation" or "modification."

For some, any change to the genitals constitutes mutilation. For others, changes made out of medical necessity are considered modification, while non-medically necessitated changes are mutilation. For yet others consent is the deciding factor. For still others, the choice of one term over the other may reflect personal tastes, religious values, a political standpoint, or myriad other factors. Dictionary definitions suggest that disfigurement or loss of an essential body part (sometimes inferred as harm or damage), is the criteria for using the term "mutilation" (see mutilation).

In general, "mutilation" suggests injury or negative consequence. Thus, people who see a given change either as generally negative or a violation of individual rights will likely choose the term "genital mutilation." For example, a person who sees infant circumcision as medically unnecessary and unjustifiable would likely term it a mutilation, not a modification.

In general, "modification" suggests enhancement or positive outcome. Thus, people who see a given change either as generally positive or an individual choice will likely use the term "genital modification." Therefore, a person who sees infant circumcision as a healthy and justifiable practice would likely term it a modification, not a mutilation.

When genital alterations are used for punishment, typically for rape, adultery or other socially forbidden sexual practices, the choice of words becomes a legal issue. Such changes have included castration, actual or chemical, or penectomy (see Censored page).

Circumcision

Issues surrounding female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation or FGM, became prominent in the English-speaking world in the latter quarter of the 20th century. Opponents of the practice became aware of female circumcision existing in some African and Muslim countries.

In most cases, female circumcision is a social practice, not a religious one. Male circumcision is performed for religious or social reasons or as medical treatment (for phimosis, for example). Some cultures initiate both boys and girls around the age of puberty. In the United States, circumcision is performed on a majority of male infants, according to the wishes of the parents.

Opposition to the routine, non-medical circumcision of infant males has grown over several decades. The World Health Organization, a United Nations agency, currently campaigns against FGM (female genital mutilation) but not against male circumcision.

Elective genital alteration

In some cases, people elect to have their genitals pierced, tattooed or otherwise altered for aesthetic or other reasons.

Such modifications run the gamut from single to multiple piercings, small decorative marks to complete tattooing, urethral relocation, and, in males, subincision or even complete bisection.

Types of genital alteration

The alterations listed below may be undertaken voluntarily by some individuals; they may also be performed for medical reasons or performed on infants or adults against their will. Any of these changes may be considered modifications or mutilations.

Removal of tissue

Male

Female

Sex Reassigment

Alteration of tissue

Male

Female

Sex Reassignment

Addition to tissue

Male

Female

  • Gential tattooing
  • Labia elongation [4] http://www.labiastretching.com/en/index.shtml

Sex Reassignment

See Also

External links

  • "US also practices genital mutilation" http://collegian.ksu.edu/issues/v100/sp/n145/opn-circumcision-samiller.html - editorial by opponent of male circumcision
  • Genital Mutilation http://dmoz.org/Health/Women%27s_Health/Genital_Mutilation/ - from the "Women's health" section of dmoz.
  • "Genital Mutilation American Style" http://www.fathermag.com/health/circ/gmas/ - opinion article by opponent of male circumcision.
  • Episiotomy: Ritual Genital Mutilation in Western Obstetrics http://www.changesurfer.com/Hlth/episiotomy.html - Information on routine episiotomies
  • On Line Body Modification Magazine/Site. Photos, details, history, everything. WARNING - adults only. Very graphic. http://www.bmezine.com/


Last updated: 01-29-2005 13:21:27
Last updated: 04-25-2005 03:06:01