Female Circumcision (FC) in Malaysia: Medicalization of a religious practice (2012)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding All FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Dahlui M.,Wong YL.,Choo WY
FGM/C Type(s): All
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To determine the extent of FC being conducted by trained Health Personnel.
Study Population: FGC practitioners and health personnel
Findings: No adverse effects or long term complications were reported. HP cited reasons given by clients for performing FC as religious obligation,to control female’s sexual desire and hygienic purposes. Malay Muslim FC practitioners agreed that FC for Muslim females is an honorable Islamic practice and it probably has a role in controlling female sexual desire. Majority believed that FC should be done although more TM than GP perceived so. Medicalization of FC is thus apparent in Malaysia although comparatively FC is a minor procedure with no adverse side effects. Yet,medicalization of FC constitutes a misuse of professional medical role and may wrongly legitimize FC as medically safe/beneficial. As there is no such medical benefit,medicalization of FC should be abandoned to facilitate elimination of FC practice.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Southeastern Asia
Country(ies):Malaysia