Prohibited Sexual Behavior and Sexual Violence

Sexual Violence: Mutilation of Female Sex Organs: Forms: Clitoridectomy

The surgical excision of the clitoral glans (clitoridectomy) is much more than a mere “circumcision”. Indeed, it is a severe mutilation of the female sex organs. The clitoris as a whole extends into the interior of the body and is, therefore, more an internal than an external organ. Nevertheless, cutting off its most sensitive tip, the glans (and perhaps part of the clitoral body) amounts to a very serious crippling of the female sexual response. Some or even much of the response may remain, because the rest of the clitoral system remains unaffected, but this is no excuse for the physical and psychological damage.

Vulva after a clitoridectomy