This publication contains rich research findings concerning global trends
and the prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting and its linkages with
maternal and newborn health. It describes changing patterns and practices,
including medicalization, and analyzes the threat FGM/C poses to the
achievement of Millennium Development Goals as well as its economic and health
costs. It identifies important lessons and discusses in detail case studies as
well as the application of theories as a basis for accelerating the abandonment
process.
It also addresses the needs for closing gaps in law enforcement, building
capacity, mobilizing resources and building global partnerships. This extensive
knowledge -- which was shared by research institutions, foundations, lawyers,
medical professionals, religious scholars, development partners and NGOs --
would be difficult to find elsewhere.
