Policy statement: Female genital mutilation

The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) opposes all forms of

Female genital mutilation (FGM): FGM, often referred to as “female circumcision”, comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons.

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(FGM). FGM is a fundamental violation of girls’ and women’s rights, including the right to life, the right to physical integrity and the right to

Health: 'Health' is defined in the WHO constitution of 1948 as a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

See also Health promotion

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. In the absence of any medical necessity, FGM subjects girls and women to health risks and has life-threatening consequences. Further, it contravenes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and violates the fundamental ethical principle of “do no harm”. WCPT advocates that physical therapists should be aware that this practice has serious physical and mental health consequences.