The Culture of Female Circumcision

Morris, Rita I.

doi:10.1097/00012272-199612000-00006

Cited by 18 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…18 Although reinfibulation after delivery is not necessary from a medical standpoint, women with a history of FGC may request this procedure because of their cultural beliefs, including the fear of spousal rejection and divorce. 8,33,34 Reinfibulation is not a federal crime in the United States. 22 Health care professionals providing prenatal care should discuss an infibulated woman's preference for reinfibulation with the woman and her spouse so that care after delivery is appropriate.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge of Female Genital Cutting and Experience With Women Who Are Circumcised: A Survey of Nurse‐Midwives in the United States

Hess

Weinland

Saalinger

2010

J Midwife Womens Health

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Thousands of women with a history of female genital cutting (FGC) have immigrated to the United States. The purpose of this study was to assess certified nurse-midwives' (CNMs') knowledge of FGC and to explore their experiences caring for African immigrant women with a history of genital cutting. A descriptive survey design was used. A random sample of 600 CNMs from the member list of the American College of Nurse-Midwives was surveyed. Two hundred forty-three CNMs completed a survey of FGC knowledge and provider experience. The respondents exhibited more correct medical knowledge about FGC than knowledge of cultural and legal issues. Differences in correct or incorrect knowledge were statistically significant based on provider experience. Almost 70% of respondents could identify infibulation. Less than 20% knew that both Muslim and Christian women are circumcised. Fifty-seven percent knew that it is illegal in the United States to circumcise women younger than 18 years of age. We found that discussions between CNMs and clients who were circumcised regarding FGC-related concerns and complications were minimal. Women with a history of FGC want female providers. Reinfibulation poses an ethical dilemma for some CNMs. Nurse-midwives in the United States need to learn more about FGC and the cultures of their clients in order to provide culturally competent care.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge of Female Genital Cutting and Experience With Women Who Are Circumcised: A Survey of Nurse‐Midwives in the United States

Hess

Weinland

Saalinger

2010

J Midwife Womens Health

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“…Although FC predates all contemporary global religions that practice it today,23 the majority of Somalis believe that FC is mandated by Islam 24. Even so, the Koran does not prescribe FC, nor is it carried out in Saudi Arabia, which is the epicenter of Islam 25.…”

Section: Culture and Ritual Beliefs That Perpetuate Fcmentioning

confidence: 99%

Attitudes toward female circumcision among Somali immigrants in Oslo: a qualitative study

Gele¹,

Kumar²,

Hjelde³

et al. 2012

IJWH

101

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Due to its negative impact on public health, female circumcision (FC) has gained increased attention from international communities and the Norwegian public in recent decades. In 1995, the Norwegian government outlawed the practice and simultaneously developed a package of measures aimed at preventing and ultimately eradicating FC in Norway. Like many other Western countries, immigrants of Somali descent constitute the largest immigrant group in Norway from countries with FC traditions. Although this immigrant group is often perceived as a cultural society that supports FC generally as a practice, there appears to be a lack of studies that explore the impact of acculturation and the Western social context on Somali immigrants’ attitudes toward the practice. Against this background, this paper explores the attitudes of Somalis living in Oslo, Norway to the practice of FC. Findings from this qualitative study indicate that Somalis in Oslo have, to a large extent, changed their attitude toward the practice. This was proven by the presence in Oslo of a large number of Somali parents who left their daughters uncut as well as Somali girls, boys, men, and women who attribute being uncircumcised a high status. This study adds to the knowledge of the process of abandonment of FC among immigrants in the Western countries. The study highlights the success that has been achieved in improving attitudes toward the practice of the Somali community in Oslo, Norway, as well as emerging challenges that need to be addressed further.

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“…FC is believed to reduce sexual urges of women and to improve their health and that of their children. The value systems that have sustained the practice of FC are complex and strong, and vary from society to society, reflecting a historical and ideological context (Morris, 1996).…”

Section: Values and Beliefs Underlying The Practicementioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Study of Meanings, Beliefs, and Practices of Female Circumcision Among Three Nigerian Tribes in the United States and Nigeria

Anuforo

Oyedele²,

Pacquiao

2004

J Transcult Nurs

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The study was conducted to gain insight into the meanings, beliefs, and practices of female circumcision among three Nigerian tribes in the United States and Nigeria. Participant-observations occurred in three sites in Nigeria (Ibadan, Lagos, and Owerri) and in Essex County, New Jersey (Newark, Irvington, and East Orange). A total of 50 informants included adult males and females from the three main Nigerian ethnic tribes: Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa. Leininger's culture care theory of diversity and universality was the study framework. Findings revealed existence of similarities and differences in the cultural meanings, beliefs, and practices among the tribes. Religion, education, and occupation were significant factors influencing informants' attitudes toward continuation of the practice. Government-sponsored public education and influence by the media were found to increase informants' awareness of complications of female circumcision. Changes in attitudes toward the practice and use of alternative practices were evident.

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The Culture of Female Circumcision

Cited by 18 publications

References 11 publications

Knowledge of Female Genital Cutting and Experience With Women Who Are Circumcised: A Survey of Nurse‐Midwives in the United States

Knowledge of Female Genital Cutting and Experience With Women Who Are Circumcised: A Survey of Nurse‐Midwives in the United States

Attitudes toward female circumcision among Somali immigrants in Oslo: a qualitative study

Comparative Study of Meanings, Beliefs, and Practices of Female Circumcision Among Three Nigerian Tribes in the United States and Nigeria

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