FOUR FORMS OF GENITAL MUTILATION

The World Health Organization has identified four types of female genital mutilation. All are illegal in the U.S. and are internationally recognized as human rights violations of women and girls. Type I, which is also called clitoridectomy. This involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce.

Type II, which is also called excision. This involves partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora. Type III, also called infibulation. This involves the narrowing of the vaginal orifice with a covering seal.

Type IV: All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping or cauterization.