Landmark Case: Federal Charges Of Female Genital Mutilation (VIDEO)

Female genital mutilation is a horrific practice. It is the practice of cutting the female genitalia for non-medical purposes. It is practiced in over 30 countries and is often done on children. Many cultures see it as a right of passage.

Mariya Taher, who was mutilated in India at the age of 7, said:

“Growing up, I thought it was something normal and I didn’t think to question it. There was a celebration after it happened for me and a celebration after it happened for my sister.” 

It wasn’t until much later that she learned she was the victim of female genital mutilation. It is outlawed in the United States. It is often used to curb promiscuity and prevent women from experiencing sexual pleasure.

Recently, the first ever federal case about female genital mutilation has been opened by the FBI. It is against two Michigan doctors who performed the procedure on over a dozen girls over the course of a decade. Other targets have been identified in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

In Michigan, 44-year-old emergency room doctor, Dr Jumana Nagarwala, is charged with performing the procedure on eight girls. The facility was run by Dr Fakhruddin Attar. Attar’s wife, Farida, was also arrested for holding the hands of two of the girls while the procedure was being performed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Woodward said:

“Due to the secretive nature of this procedure, we are unlikely to ever know how many children were cut by Dr Nagarwala.”

These people, along with a few other witnesses, are being charged with female genital mutilation. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed anti female genital mutilation legislation in July. The practice is a felony, which can carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years. It will apply to doctors who perform the procedure and parents who allow their children to undergo the procedure.

https://youtu.be/WKnpizRdLR8

Featured image via YouTube screenshot.

Hi, I'm from Huntsville, AL. I'm a Liberal living in the Bible Belt, which can be quite challenging at times. I'm passionate about many issues including mental health, women's rights, gay rights, and many others. Check out my blog weneedtotalkaboutmentalhealth.com