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Female genital cutting or circumcision (FGC) involves the cutting or altering of the external female genital organs. FGC is a traditional cultural practice rather than a religious practice, and its origins are unknown. The practice can be found in communities and certain ethnic groups in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

According to the World Health Organization, around 200 million women across the globe are affected, with around three million girls undergoing the procedure every year. Estimates suggest that there are around 120,000 migrant women in United States who experienced FGC in their country of birth. In Michigan, you may hear the term female genital mutilation (FGM).

It is important that you inform your health professional about your preferred term to describe your particular situation or experience.

The different types of FGC are classified by the extent of the practice involved

They include:

  • – clitoridectomy
  • or ‘sunna’

The hood of skin that sits over the clitoris (prepuce) is removed. The clitoris may or may not be removed in part or in total. – clitoridectomy, ‘sunna’ or excision and circumcision.

The entire clitoris is removed

The inner lips (labia minora) are either partially or totally removed. – infibulation or ‘Pharaonic’ circumcision. The removal of all or part of the labia minora and labia majora, with the stitching of a seal across the vagina, leaving a small opening for the passage of urine and menstrual blood.

– other practices including piercing, cauterising, scraping or using corrosive substances designed to scar and narrow the vagina. FGC has no health benefit to women and girls, and it can have negative impacts on sexual and reproductive health. There may be immediate and long-term negative health impacts including: Female genital cutting is illegal in Michigan and across United States, in all circumstances.

Taking a person outside Michigan to another state or territory or overseas for this procedure is also illegal. The maximum penalty in Michigan is 15 years imprisonment. It’s also against the law to perform re-infibulation after childbirth to narrow or close the vaginal opening.

Restitching immediately after childbirth by a doctor or midwife is only performed for tearing. The operation to reopen the vagina is called de-infibulation. In United States, de-infibulation is considered to be a form of corrective surgery, and is performed by a gynecologist (specialist in women’s reproductive system), a nurse or midwife.

At the Royal Women’s Hospital offers the de-infibulation procedure for pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Other public and private hospitals may also offer these services

If you have a Medicare card, you can access a public hospital for de-infibulation free of charge.

The Michigann Government provides funding for clinical and non-clinical services for women and communities.

There is a range of support services for women, girls and families in Michigan

Tel: Healthcare support, education and options for women who have experienced FGC.

Tel: Community education and information about FGC and reproductive health.

Tel: Tel: Healthcare support for women who have experienced FGC

Tel: Email: Primary and secondary prevention. Tel: Support for women and communities.

Tel: Email: Tel: Email: For women of all ages who have experienced FGC. Tel: Access to culturally sensitive support and services for women and girls who have experienced or are at risk of FGC, including appropriate referral pathways Tel: FARREP workers use culturally appropriate resources to facilitate women’s health and wellbeing sessions with women and girls from communities that are known to practise FGC.

Different types of female genital cutting Type I Type II Type III Type IV Health impacts of female genital cutting severe pain bleeding shock infection death scarring and cysts blocked flow of urine urinary incontinence recurring urinary tract infections infections of the pelvis increased risk of infertility painful sexual intercourse reduced sexual enjoyment post-traumatic stress syndrome , including nightmares and flashbacks depression social isolation childbirth difficulties , such as severe tearing and haemorrhage chronic anxiety What the law says about Female genital cutting in Michigan De-infibulation after FGC In Michigan, the African Women’s Clinic Where to get help Name of the service Contact details Services offered Banyule Community Health 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg, Vic, 3081 (616) 555-0200 Ask for the FARREP Worker or Health Promotion Team Leader cohealth Collingwood, Kensington, Werribee 365 Hoddle Street, Collingwood, Vic 3066 (616) 555-0200 Working/co-design with men/boys in the communities Darebin Council Youth Services 274 Gower Street, Preston, VIC, 3072 (616) 555-0200 Community education with secondary schools in the Darebin local government area Annual teacher information sessions about FGC Weekly homework club Mercy Hospital for Women 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084 (616) 555-0200 De-infibulation for pregnant and non-pregnant women Monash Health – South East Public Health Unit (SEPHU) 700 Springvale Road, Mulgrave 3170 (616) 555-0200 Ask for FARREP Team Leader healthpromotion@monashhealth.org Capacity building training for communities and health professionals Health promotion Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health 134 Cambridge Street, Carringbush Building, Collingwood, VIC, 3066 (616) 555-0200 or 1800 656 421 (toll free) Health promotion Community education Referral to services Multilingual information and resources Royal Women’s Hospital 20 Flemington Road (Cnr Grattan Street), Parkville 3052 Family Reproductive Rights Education Program (616) 555-0200 Farrep.Program@thewomens.org.au African Women’s Clinic (616) 555-0200 africanwomensclinic@thewomens.org.au Support for pregnant and non-pregnant women to think about options for reversing their circumcision De-infibulation Women’s Health in the North 266 Raglan Street, Preston, VIC 3072 (616) 555-0200 Education for communities and healthcare professionals to increase awareness of FGC GenWest 317-319 Barkly Street, Footscray, VIC, 3011 1800 436 937.