Fgm Why Has It Taken So Long....

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-26681364
...and what will they be charged with? GBH with intent? or is FGM a specific offence?

[pixie373]

I agree, woofgang. Where there is no medical benefit, nothing should be carried out on children, Imo. These are all different degrees of abuse.

[pixie373]

It is traumatic. I know how embarrassed my daughters would be.

[hc4361]

Naomi24, that is taking away the parents' legal right to give consent or object to a medical procedure/examination.
A huge step.

[jno]

who knows, woofgang? It all seems bizarre to me and we didn't do it (the finger either). But in the absence of evidence of traumatic pain or ruined lives or even mild regrets by the victims, I can't see that we should waste time passing laws just as a matter of principle.

I read a few years ago that, even more years ago, a law was passed against men committing incest with their grandmothers, even though there was not the slightest evidence that this had ever happened. Sometimes governments just like to look busy.

[naomi24]

Pixie, if we wait for girls to become educated and courageous enough to speak out, how many more will be mutilated? Some of these children are cut as babies and it has to be stopped now. If that means employing visual, non-invasive examinations, then so be it. That has to be better than allowing it to continue.

[naomi24]

hc, it's a step worth taking. The well-being of the children is the important thing here - not the 'rights' of parents who think they have the right to mutilate their daughters.

[pixie373]

Educating children is faster than educating adults, so i don't think that will be as effective. I don't agree that minor abuse is excusable by the fact it may or may not prevent major abuse.

[China Doll]

'It is traumatic. I know how embarrassed my daughters would be.'

What about when they get older and go for smear tests? Or have babies themselves.

I think in general we need to move as a culture towards not being quite so worried about having our bits looked at; they're just body parts. And it's actually not unusual for a paediatric assessment for anything to require a good look at the whole of the baby/child - a lesson learnt from Baby P I think.

[RATTER15]

I agree that it just isnt right for these girls to be examined.

It is however much more "right" than having their genitals butchered to satisfy some ridiculous religion/culture!

As for that Doctor, I hope they lock him up for a long time to set an example!

[naomi24]

Pixie, I don't understand you. Why do you consider a visual, non-invasive examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be abuse? It's not.

[hc4361]

naomi, are you really saying you would be happy for your children to be subjected to medical examinations and procedures not only without your express consent but despite your explicit refusal?

How often should girls be examined for FGM? Once a year from birth, twice a year?

[pixie373]

When they get older, they understand and have the choice. That is different from making little girls take off their underwear at the doctors.

[naomi24]

hc, If it prevented little girls being mutilated, I'd have no objection whatsoever. A visual examination is hardly invasive! Once a year from birth would do.

[pixie373]

Exactly hc. It isn't only going to be once- it would be regular.
Because it's not their choice, Naomi. The psychological impact is important too. What are we telling these girls- if a doctor wants you to do something, you go along with it? Education and self-respect are the answer. Not priming.

[naomi24]

Pixie, //Education and self-respect are the answer.//

And how long are we going to wait for that to happen - and what becomes of potential victims in the meantime?

[ummmm]

I'd assume one of the parents would be present at an examination so it won't be a child doing what a doctor wants her to do she'll be doing as the parent says.

[China Doll]

The discussion we're having Pixi is the demonstration I can give of how difficult it is to legislate and thus get a prosecution for FGM; it's really hard to get everyone to agree how to monitor it and what's in the best interest of the child.

For the record, I am playing devils advocate a bit, I don't really know what the best way is either. But if I had a daughter and because I know exactly what happens at a genital examination where I work, I wouldn't be adverse to her being examined. But I'm a white female athiest so I'm hardly the target audience! :c)

[pixie373]

That's what we need to do now. Awareness can be communicated very quickly- if the government can be bothered - with strict sentencing for anyone involved. How quickly will it stop by examining children on a yearly basis?

[pixie373]

I understand, cd. I'm also taking in other people's opinions, rather than knowing the answers. However, it's irrelevant how parents feel about examinations. My concern is how the child feels.

[China Doll]

It would be a preventative measure Pixi; for those who know the law and will do it anyway. There will be cases like that.