An Imaginary Distinction

UNICEF is promoting efforts to end female genital mutilation. This is good. But I’m predictably distracted by the news release.

Female genital mutilation or cutting is the partial or total removal of the external genitalia – undertaken for cultural or other non-medical reasons – often causing severe pain and sometimes resulting in prolonged bleeding, infection, infertility and even death.

Male genital mutilation or cutting is the partial (and sometimes accidental total removal) of the external genitalia – undertaken for cultural or other non-medical reasons – often causing severe pain and sometimes resulting in prolonged bleeding, infection, and even death. I narrowed the reality of total removal and ommitted infertility. Neither of those changes is sufficient to introduce the gender bias that so many demand. Yet, that is exactly what organizations like UNICEF insist upon because (adult, voluntary) male circumcision may reduce the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission during unprotected intercourse. Despite its claims, chasing potential benefits is not a valid medical reason to circumcise non-consenting, healthy individuals – including male children.