Protecting girls and women from harmful practices affecting their health: Are we making progress?
Cottingham, J.; Kismodi, E.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 106(2): 128-131
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1879-3479 PMID: 19535073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2009.03.024Document Number: 531787
Since female genital mutilation (FGM) was first recognized internationally in 1958, it has now become widely accepted and anchored in international law that FGM is a violation of girls' and women's human rights. Declines in the practice, however, are slow overall, and continued work for its elimination requires action and investment at many levels. Where the practice has diminished, community action has been widespread and sustained. Governments, who are ultimately responsible for the eradication of FGM, must take many measures to outlaw the practice and protect girls' and women's rights, through legislation, policy, education, and resource allocation. Among the other key actors, health care professionals have a particularly important role in treating women and in preventing FGM by actively opposing any medicalization of the practice.
Document emailed within 0-6 h
