Kluge, EH. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; 16, 2; 71-77.
Summary
This paper explores the ethical implications of female genital mutilation. It argues that irrespective of cultural reasons underlying the practice, it is ethically indefensible. It suggests that the medical profession has a particular obligation in this regard neither to participate in nor to facilitate the practice, and to take a public stand opposing it. The fact that some women may agree to their own genital mutilation does not change this. Such agreement is ethically invalid because it either lacks voluntariness or is based on an inadequate understanding of the true nature of the situation.
For further reading
'FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION, CULTURAL VALUES AND ETHICS'
http://chpe.creighton.edu/events/roundtables/2009-2010/pdf/Kluge.pdf
Summary
This paper explores the ethical implications of female genital mutilation. It argues that irrespective of cultural reasons underlying the practice, it is ethically indefensible. It suggests that the medical profession has a particular obligation in this regard neither to participate in nor to facilitate the practice, and to take a public stand opposing it. The fact that some women may agree to their own genital mutilation does not change this. Such agreement is ethically invalid because it either lacks voluntariness or is based on an inadequate understanding of the true nature of the situation.
For further reading
'FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION, CULTURAL VALUES AND ETHICS'
http://chpe.creighton.edu/events/roundtables/2009-2010/pdf/Kluge.pdf