STAT: Millions have been traumatized by female genital mutilation. The practice must end
Katherine McKenzie, faculty at Yale School of Medicine, director of the Yale Center for Asylum Medicine, and Public Voices fellow with the OpEd Project

“…While [female genital mutilation (FGM)] is traditional in some cultures, there are no medical benefits to the procedure, and it violates a girl’s human rights. According to a recent UNICEF report, FGM is practiced in 30 countries, and at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM. The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM last month highlighted the importance of eliminating this practice. As we contemplate the gains women have made during March’s Women’s History Month, we must recognize that girls worldwide continue to be at risk for lasting damage through FGM. … Together with the medical community, families worldwide need to support the complete elimination of this practice, and keep girls safe, healthy, and unharmed” (3/29).