Explore the harrowing impact of FGM on childbirth in our in-depth article. Uncover the risks, psychological effects, and global fight against this practice. Join us in advocating for women’s health and rights
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practice that has been carried out for centuries in various cultures around the world. Despite its deep cultural roots, FGM has devastating effects on the health and well-being of women, particularly when it comes to childbirth. This article aims to shed light on the shadow that FGM casts on motherhood by unveiling its harmful impacts on childbirth and the health of both mothers and their newborns.
Understanding FGM
FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is classified into four major types, ranging from the removal of the clitoral glans to the narrowing of the vaginal opening through infibulation. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM.
Immediate Health Risks
The procedure of FGM can lead to severe pain, excessive bleeding, shock, genital tissue swelling, and infections. These immediate health risks can have profound implications for childbirth, as they can cause complications that may affect the health of the mother and the child.
Long-Term Health Risks and Childbirth Complications
FGM is associated with an array of long-term health risks that can significantly impact childbirth. Women who have undergone FGM are at an increased risk of caesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, recourse to episiotomy, difficult labor, obstetric tears/lacerations, instrumental delivery, prolonged labor, and extended maternal hospital stay. The severity of FGM directly correlates with the increased risk of these complications.
Psychological Impact
The psychological impact of FGM on women is profound. Many women describe FGM as a traumatic event, leading to a loss of trust in caregivers, anxiety, and depression. These psychological effects can also affect the childbirth experience, potentially leading to postpartum depression and other mental health issues.
The Cost of FGM
The treatment of health complications arising from FGM places a significant financial burden on health systems. It is estimated to cost US$ 1.4 billion per year, a figure that is expected to rise unless urgent action is taken towards its abandonment.
Moving Forward
The fight against FGM is not just about ending a harmful cultural practice; it’s about protecting the fundamental human rights of girls and women. It’s about ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to experience motherhood without the shadow of FGM looming over her. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue raising awareness, providing education, and enforcing laws that protect women and girls from this practice.
Conclusion
FGM casts a long shadow on motherhood, with its effects on childbirth being particularly devastating. It is a violation of human rights and a practice that has no place in modern society. By unveiling the impacts of FGM, we can work towards a future where childbirth is a moment of joy, not one overshadowed by the consequences of a harmful tradition.
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