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AUSTRALIA - OB-GYN DOCTORS OPPOSE FGM

 

AAP - May 28, 2010

The college for Australia's obstetricians and gynaecologists says it does not support the "ritual nicking" of young Muslim girls and anyone suspected of performing such genital mutilation should be reported to authorities.

Dr Ted Weaver, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), said media reports suggesting the college would review its policy were the result of a misquote.

He said the issue was likely to be discussed at a meeting next month, triggered by recent announcements made by the American Academy of Pediatrics, but a policy shift was not on the agenda.

"The college does not support - does not - support female genital mutilation, full-stop," Dr Weaver told AAP on Friday.

"This ritual nicking, as it has been called, has been put forward as a way of satisfying cultural sensitivities without making a lot of difference to a woman's genitalia but we do not support that either."

The US paediatrics body released a new policy last month, and retracted it this week, which raised the idea of doctors being able to prick or nick a girl's clitoral skin in order to satisfy cultural requirements in some Muslim communities.

The procedure - not dissimilar to an ear-piercing - was proposed as a safer alternative to ceremonial cutting done without medical supervision and which could result in broader damage and, potentially, a loss of sexual sensitivity.

"That's a decision for the Americans. Our view at the moment is that we are opposed to it," Dr Weaver said.

He said he was not aware of any doctors in Australia that were performing ritual nicking, though anyone who was suspected of doing so should be reported to authorities.

"Child protection legislation is about stopping these sorts of things happening ... all of the states have legislated in this way so it is illegal in Australia," Dr Weaver said.

"At this stage, the college has no intention of changing its position on female genital mutilation."

RANZCOG secretary Gino Pecoraro is reported in News Ltd newspapers as saying the practise would be discussed at next month's Women's Health Committee meeting.





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