Female genital mutilation is awful

The question “when should doctors perform female genital mutilation?” sounds as if female genital mutilation (FGM) is a normal procedure that doctors do every day in their practice. In fact, it is an awful traditional procedure that is nowadays considered a crime in many countries. In this world of multidisciplinary communities, however, it is more likely for doctors to come into contact with girls who are at risk.1

Most parents seeking this procedure for their daughters believe that they are making the right decision for the sake of their child. Based on traditional, social, or mistaken religious beliefs, the parent seeks the doctor's help to perform this procedure simply …