Reproductive Rights 101

The most basic reproductive right is the right to keep our reproductive systems intact.

Female Genital Mutilation: Approximately 130 million women and girls worldwide, primarily in Africa and the Middle East, have been deprived of part or all of their external reproductive system through a practice known as female genital mutilation (FGM) or female genital cutting (FGC). FGM varies in severity, ranging from symbolic damage to the clitoris to what amounts to full removal of the vulva. It is nearly always performed on young children, without the use of anesthesia.

Male Circumcision: Although male circumcision (partial removal of the foreskin) bears little practical resemblance to FGM, some have suggested that the procedure, absent clinical evidence supporting it as a medical practice, is a violation of reproductive rights.