Open AccessFemale genital mutilation in the West: traditional circumcision versus genital cosmetic surgery
Author(s) -
Essén Birgitta,
Johnsdotter Sara
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/j.0001-6349.2004.00590.x
Subject(s) - female circumcision , male circumcision , sex organ , medicine , morality , legislation , informed consent , gynecology , surgery , law , alternative medicine , political science , pathology , population , environmental health , biology , genetics , health services
This article intends to present the Scandinavian legislation on female genital mutilation and explore the implications of the laws. Juxtaposing trends of plastic genital surgery in the West with claims that female circumcision may be a practice generally abandoned in Scandinavia, we highlight the double morality inherent in current public discussions. Finally, we pose the question: Is the legal principle of equality before the law regarded when it comes to alterations of the female genitals?