What is Clitoridectomy?

What has the author Lynn M Thomas written?

Lynn M. Thomas has written: 'The politics of the 1956 ban on clitoridectomy in Meru, Kenya' -- subject(s): Clitoridectomy, Female circumcision, Female circumcision, Law and legislation, Social conditions, Women

Is it possible for cultures that force clitoridectomy to survive in the long term without the naturally evolved influence of women or are they assured to die off?

Clitoridectomy is the removal of the clitoris, not the removal of the infulence of women. In the 1800s, this was a common practice in the United States and parts of Europe. It is still practices today by some African tribes. As all these cultures are still intact, there is no association between the practice and cultural survival.

What has the author Fran P Hosken written?

Fran P. Hosken has written: 'The Hosken report' -- subject(s): Sex discrimination against women, Sex customs, Clitoridectomy, Infibulation 'The language of cities' -- subject(s): Cities and towns 'The Kathmandu Valley towns' -- subject(s): Cities and towns, Description and travel 'The Arabic Childbirth Picture Book' 'Genital mutilation of women in Africa' -- subject(s): Clitoridectomy, Infibulation, Sex customs 'The functions of cities' -- subject(s): Cities and towns

What has the author Efua Dorkenoo written?

Efua Dorkenoo has written: 'Female genital mutilation' -- subject(s): Clitoridectomy, Female circumcision, Infibulation, International cooperation, Prevention, Sex customs, Social aspects, Social aspects of Female circumcision

What has the author Elise A Sochart written?

Elise A. Sochart has written: 'Legislating against female circumcision' -- subject(s): Circumcision, Clitoridectomy, Law and legislation, Infibulation

Can a Clitoridectomy be considered a form of physical lobotomy?

These two procedures are done for two very different reasons. Lobotomy, back in the old days, was seen as a cure for various kinds of mental illnesses; while many of us are horrified by it today, at the time, those in the medical community who championed it believed it would be helpful for stopping violent behaviors, delusions, etc. In modern times, attitudes have changed about it, as we have learned that it severely damages a person's brain and it does more harm than good. This procedure is seldom if ever performed today.Clitoridectomy, however, (better known as female genital mutilation) is still performed, usually in third-world cultures where it is believed women's sexuality must be controlled or eliminated entirely. In these cultures, women are subordinate, and they are only supposed to have sex to produce children, rather than to feel any pleasure. Removing the clitoris makes it impossible for the woman to experience sexual enjoyment. While both procedures have negative consequences, I am not sure I would equate the two.

What is the benefits of female circumcision?

There are in fact no pros to female genital mutilation.There are two procedures one is female circumcision which removes only the hood of the female's clitoris. 85% of female circumcision involves this. The remaining 15% involves infibulation, the clitoris and both labia are removed and the two sides of the vulva are sewn together. This leaves a very small opening for the women to urinate and pass menstrual blood through. This latter case is called Female Genital Mutilation. There is no good reason for this latter case which makes up 15% of the world wide cases.This is not correct, but unfortunately a persisting error. The mere removal of the clitoral hood is close to non-existent. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies four types:1. Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce (clitoridectomy).2. Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision)3. Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris (infibulation)4. All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizationType 1 and 2 make the majority of the cases - about 85% worldwide, less than 1% of which consist in removing only the clitoral hood.None of these four types has a benefit but they all can cause major damages - one of the reasons why all four of them are called "Female Genital Mutilation" (FGM) or "Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting". The term "Female Circumcision" is no longer appropriate.(info: H. Postulart, Executive director of the Global Alliance against Female Genital Mutilation)Despite the media references to Islam, Islam does not call for female circumcision of any kind. The practice happens mostly in Africa. The reasons to have it are cultural identity, historic practices and because in some tribes women would be considered an outcast if they failed to have it.There is no passage in the Qur'an demanding the practice. Nevertheless, the content of some hadiths lead to the widespread opinion that the practice is at least recommended by the prophet. Consequently, many Imams do indeed promote the practice of FGM while others try to end it in their communities.In fact female genital mutilation predates Islam and was also practiced in Europe until relatively recently.It is seen as a hygienic practice in some tribes.My source of information is a paper by Senior Seminar Paper by Andrea Nichols at the Southern Illinois University.+++This ugly, revolting, antiquated barbarity is now illegal in the UK, although as in many cases of domestic violence, especially against women, very hard to bring to court.

Why is circumcision still practiced today?

In most of the world, it is not, the only places where it is still widely practiced are in Muslim country's by Muslims at large , and By Many Jews who initiated the practice from the Egyptians. there are also some other cultures that do this for religious and cultural reasons. During the Victorian era, British doctors and in turn ( its colonies) and the USA adopted circumcision and other genital mutilations to control sexual behaviour in boys and girls, and to prevent STDs in adult men and women. Circumcision, clitoridectomy and hysterectomy were prescribed in the false belief that they could prevent or cure masturbation, tuberculosis, mental illness, and an amazing array of other unlikely diseases. female circumcision was banned in 1867, when a woman's right to make decisions about her own body was recognised. In contrast, male circumcision was continued into the 20th century by misguided physicians who claimed it was necessary in all cases of infantile phimosis and to prevent masturbation, cancer and syphilis.and The majority of genital mutilation (male and female) in the world today is done in Muslim surroundings (Female genital mutilation however is not a religious observance and predates Islam). So called Medical circumcision of infants however is still big business in the united states. The American Academy of Pediatrics' policy is not supported by the studies it cites.) It is largely done out of a very strong cultural habit, such as the myth that it is "cleaner". There is in fact no good reason for a person that is brought up to clean all of his body on a regular basis to be circumcised. Most people do it because they had it done to them. The same reasoning does not aply to female genital mutilation as a woman who has not had this done can became outcast in her comunity, a lot of work need s to go into reversing al genital mutilation both male and female

What is the festival for becoming a man?

Africa Many African cultures share the same structure to their coming of age process. Adolescences are isolated from their homes, family and friends, for weeks, to months at a time. Within this time frame, they are taught the ways of society including mannerisms, religious teachings, seduction, and law. For the new women of society, they must undergo "female circumcision". This can be broken down into three different procedures, "clitoridectomy", "excision", and "infibulation". For the past 20 years, "The World Health Organization" has been trying to promote different types of rituals to avoid such a dangerous and taboo procedure. Apache Tribe Apache boys and girls, when they come of age would undergo a four day ritual to achieve their adulthood. This process is called "na'ii'ees". For the women, it is a grueling task involving multiple hours of dancing, prayer, and lessons of self esteem, sexuality, and healing. Australia, NZ, UK, Ireland, Poland, Ukraine and Scandinavia The coming of age in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Ukraine, the Republic of Poland and the Scandinavian Countries are celebrated at either 18 or 21. As the age of legal majority, being 18 legally enables one to vote, purchase tobacco and alcohol (wine in Norway), get married without parental consent and sign contracts. In comparison, turning 21 has few legal effects (except Poland & Ukraine, where all the laws are applied after 18). Eighteenth or twenty-first birthday celebrations typically take the form of an extravagant party; presents given are often higher than usual value, and champagne may be served, as at other formal celebrations. There are few set ceremonies or rituals to be observed, although if the celebrant is a male he may be challenged to consume a yard glass which is typically full of beer. Drinking plays a large part in 18th birthdays, as it is the age where one can legally purchase alcohol. As such, many 18th birthdays are celebrated with a large party with friends, with drinking as a central motif. Despite 18 being the legal age of adulthood, most do not immediately take on the roles of adult, such as moving out of home or gaining full-time employment, instead studying or working as an apprentice. At New Zealand and Australian 21st birthdays, it is customary for family members to assemble embarrassing photos, videos or other childhood memorabilia to display at a celebration and for a good friend to give an equally embarrassing speech. China Historically, the Confucian coming of age ceremony has been the "Guan Li" for men and the "Ji Li" for women. The age is usually around 20 and during the ceremony, the person obtains a style name. These ceremonies are now rarely practiced in China, but there has been a resurgence, especially from those who are sympathetic to the Hanfu Movement. Latin America In some Latin American countries, when a woman reaches the age of 15, her relatives usually organize a very expensive celebration. It is usually a large party, called a Quinceañera in Spanish speaking countries and Baile de Debutantes in Brazil. North America In the United States and in Canada, when a child reaches the age of 16 he or she is allowed to drive and sometimes receives the responsibility of owning their own car. Girls' 16th Birthdays are traditionally called Sweet Sixteens. Depending on the family's religion or family background, there may be a ceremony signifying their coming of age. Spain In Spain during the 19th century, there was a civilian coming of age bound to the compulsory military service. The quintos were the boys of the village that reached the age of eligibility for military service (18 years), thus forming the quinta of a year. In rural Spain, the mili was the first and sometimes the only experience of life away from family. In the days before their departure, the quintos knocked every door to ask for food and drink. They held a common festive meal with what they gathered and sometimes painted some graffiti reading "Vivan los quintos del año" as a memorial of their leaving their youth. Years later, the quintos of the same year could still hold yearly meals to remember times past. By the end of the 20th century, the rural exodus, the diffusion of city customs and the loss of prestige of military service changed the relevance of quintos parties. In some places, the party included the village girls of the same age, thus becoming less directly relevant to military service. In others, the tradition was simply lost. Japan Since 1948, the age of majority in Japan has been 20; persons under 20 are not permitted to smoke, drink, or vote. Coming-of-age ceremonies, known as seijin shiki, are held on the second Monday of January. At the ceremony, all of the men and women participating are brought to a government building and listen to many speakers, similar to a graduation ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the government gives the new adults money. Papua New Guinea Kovave is a ceremony to initiate Papua New Guinea boys into adult society. It involves dressing up in a conical hat which has long strands of leaves hanging from the edge, down to below the waist. The name Kovave is also used to describe the head-dress. Vietnam During the feudal period, the coming of age was celebrated at 15 for noblemen. Nowadays, the age is 18 for girls and 20 for boys. Bali In Bali, the coming of age ceremony is supposed to take place after a girl's first menstrual period or a boy's voice breaks. However, due to expense, it is often delayed until later. The upper canines are filed down slightly to symbolize the effacing of the individual's "wild" nature. Pygmies In the rite of initiation of Baka Pygmies, the Spirit of the Forest ritually kills the boys to propitiate their rebirth as men. The Italian anthropologist Mauro Campagnoli took part in this secret rite of men's initiation in order to better understand its meaning. He became a member of a baka patrilinear clan and completed his trans-cultural coming of age. Korea In Korea, citizens are permitted to marry, vote, drive, drink alcohol, and smoke at age 19. The Monday of the third week of May is "coming-of-age day", a recent tradition influenced by Western culture. On that day, those entering adulthood are to receive three gifts: flowers, perfume and a kiss. There has been a traditional coming of age ceremony since before Goryeo dynasty, but it has mostly disappeared. When boys or girls are between the ages of fifteen and twenty, boys wear gat, a Korean traditional hat made of bamboo and horsehair, and girls do their hair in chignon with binyeo, a Korean traditional ornamental hairpin. Philippines In the Philippines, a popular coming of age celebration for 18 year-old women is the debut. It is normally a formal affair, with a strict dress code such as a coat and tie for the upper-middle and upper classes, and usually has a theme or color scheme that is related to the dress code. The débutante traditionally chooses for her entourage "18 Roses", who are 18 special men or boys in the girl's life such as boyfriends, relatives and brothers, and "18 Candles", who are the Roses' female counterparts. Each presents a rose or candle then delivers a short speech about the debutante. The Roses sometimes dance with the débutante before presenting their flower and speech, with the last being her father or boyfriend. Other variations exist, such as 18 Treasures (of any gender; gives a present instead of a candle or flower) or other types of flowers aside from roses being given, but the significance of "18" is almost always retained. Filipino men, on the other hand, celebrate their debut on their 21st birthday. There is no traditionally set program marking this event, and celebrations differ from family to family. Both men and women may opt not to hold a debut at all. There are also various Religious festivals worldwide that mark the passage of child to adult.

An Islamic Perspective on Sexuality?

In Islam, sexuality is considered part of our identity as human beings. In His creation of humankind, God distinguished us from other animals by giving us reason and will such that we can control behavior that, in other species, is governed solely by instinct. So, although sexual relations ultimately can result in the reproduction and survival of the human race, an instinctual concept, our capacity for self-control allows us to regulate this behavior. Also, the mere fact that human beings are the only creatures who engage in sexual relations once they are beyond the physical capacity for reproduction, sets us apart from all other species which engage in sex for the sole purpose of reproduction.MarriageFor Muslims, based on an understanding of Qur'an and hadith, sexual relations are confined to marriage between a wife and husband. Within this context, the role of a healthy sexual relationship is extremely important. Having and raising children are encouraged among Muslims. Once a child is born, the parents are expected to care for, nurture and prepare the child for adulthood, with a goal of imparting Islam so that the indivdual is equipped with knowledge and willingness to accept and practice Islam and thus become a productive member of society. Beyond childbearing, sexual relations assume a prominent role in the overall well-being of the marriage. In reading hadith, one is impressed with the Prophet's ability to discuss all issues including those dealing with human sexuality. The topics range from questions about menstruation to orgasm. He apparently was not embarassed by such inquiries, but strove to adequately guide and inform the Muslims who asked. Both Qur'an and hadith allude to the nature of sexual relations as a means of attaining mutual satisfaction, closeness and compassion between a wife and husband. "Permitted to you on the night of the Fasts is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and you are their garments."(2:187) Also, Muslims are advised to avoid sexual intercourse during menses so as not to cause discomfort to the woman (2:222).The goal of marriage is to create tenderness between two individuals and satisfy the very basic human need for companionship. "And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between you; in this are signs for those who think."(30:21) The hadith which address this issue are numerous. The Prophet himself, while not divulging all aspects of his own sexual life, was known for his nature as a loving husband who was sensitive and physically demonstrative. In several hadith, he speaks about the importance of foreplay and speaking in loving terms during sexual relations. Again, the concept of mutual satisfaction is elucidated in a hadith which advises husbands to engage in acts that enable a woman to achieve orgasm first. (see Ihya ulum-id-din (Revival of Religious Learning) by Imam Ghazzali, chapter on Marriage). Sexual dissatisfaction is considered legitimate grounds for divorce on the part of either wife or husband.Sex Outside of MarriageNaturally, attraction between individuals is necessary to initiate a relationship that leads to marriage. But sexual relations can obviously take place between any couple, consenting or not. Because of the far-reaching ramifications of sexual relations outside of marriage, Muslims are prohibited by God from such behavior. And because the process that leads to physical attraction and ultimately intimacy is part of human nature, Muslims are advised to behave in a way and avoid circumstances that could potentially result in extra- or pre-marital sex. Modesty in dress and behavior between women and men figures prominently as a means of exhibiting self-control. Similarly, unmarried couples are admonished against spending time alone in isolated places where they would be more likely to act on their feelings and thus be less inhibited. Some of the negative results of sex outside of marriage include the potential for unwanted pregnancies, transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, disruption of the family and marriage (in cases of adultery), and emotional and psychological difficulties resulting from the lack of commitment associated with most relationships outside of marriage. As in other religions, extra- and pre-marital sex are considered major sins. Muslims believe that God does not simply forbid or allow behavior whimsically, but does so with our best interest at heart, guiding us away from potentially destructive behavior and towards behavior that allows us to achieve our most fulfilling potentials as human beings. For a similar reason, Muslims give up the consumption of alcohol because of faith in God's wisdom that the negative effects outweigh the positive for individuals and society at large. "Whoever submits his whole self to God, and is a doer of good, has grasped indeed the most trustworthy handhold..."{(31:22)ContraceptionAlthough Muslims are encouraged to have children, contraception is not prohibited. The method used during the time of the Prophet was coitus interruptus (known as 'azl) about which several hadith exist. His basic response when asked if such a practice was lawful was that individuals can do as they will, but if God intends for a child to be born, she/he will be born. Some interpreted this to mean that preventing pregnancy is not recommended because child-bearing is preferred; yet the act is not specifically prohibited. Also, other hadith stipulate that 'azl could not be practiced without the wife's consent as it might interfere with her sexual satisfaction or desire to bear children. By analogy, the methods that exist today as contraceptives are lawful for Muslims to use at their discretion. Basically, it is our position that any method that does not involve pregnancy termination is permissible. Imam al-Ghazzali (see previous reference) lists a number of legitimate reasons for practicing contraception, including financial difficulty, emotional or psychological hardship of having many children, and even the preservation of beauty and health.It should be clear from this discussion, that since sexual relations should be confined to marriage, contraception is so limited. It is not considered a means of easing the difficulties associated with sexual relations outside of marriage.AbortionAbortion is viewed in the same context as having relevance only regarding pregnancies occurring in marriage, again, not as a response to conception as a result of extra- or pre-marital relationships. Early Muslim jurists considered abortion lawful for a variety of reasons until 40 -120 days after conception (first trimester). This was based on interpretation of Qur'an (22:4 and 23:12-14) and hadith that implied that ensoulment or 'life' did not exist until after that time (see Sex and Society in Islam, B.F. Musallam, Cambridge University Press, 1983). Contemporary thinkers, considering available technology that allows visualization of the embryonic heartbeat at four weeks of gestation, are of the position that life begins much earlier than previously thought, and therefore to terminate would be to take a life illegally. The majority of Muslims today believe that abortion is allowed only if the mother's life is significantly endangered by the pregnancy. Some also feel that the presence of certain congenital anomalies (particularly those that are lethal) make abortion lawful. Also, some scholars consider abortion appropriate in pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.HomosexualityHuman beings are capable of many forms of sexual expression, orientation and identification. The existence of such a variety again is not found in any other species and thus further demonstrates our uniqueness among God's creations. The potential for behavior, such as homosexuality, does not mean that its practice is lawful in the eyes of God. Therefore, individuals are expected to control themselves and not act on their desires if such action is contrary to the guidelines of Islam. Homosexuality, like other forms of sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage, is thus prohibited. In any discussion of prohibited acts follows the question of what happens if they nevertheless occur. The Qur'an and hadith are explicit regarding severe punishment by the State if a person is convicted of such a crime. However, in order for conviction to take place, the individuals must confess or be accused by at least four eyewitnesses of the act of actual intercourse. Obviously, the likelihood of these criteria being met is small which means that most couples who engage in unlawful acts will not be punished by the State. They will then deal with the consequences of their behavior in this life and will be accountable to God on the Day of Judgement. How He ultimately judges is known only by Him. Sex EducationClearly, from the above discussion, Islam is explicit about many aspects of human sexuality. Also, based on the numerous hadith showing the Prophet's willingness to discuss these matters openly, it should be obvious that education about matters related to sex is acceptable. Muslims may disagree about the age at which sex education begins; some don't discuss the subject at all. Explaining anatomy and the changes one's body experiences during puberty are essential for enabling young people to grow up with a healthy self-image. Also, in an age where sexual activity in many countries begins at an early age, Muslim adolescents must be informed to better enable them to deal with peer pressure. Sex education can be taught in a way that informs young people about sexuality in scientific and moral terms. In countries with very diverse populations, such as the United States, the main limitation in developing sex education curricula, particularly in public schools, is the inability to select a universally acceptable moral position. Therefore, young people are given facts and information, and advised that if they choose to engage in sexual relationships, they should take measures to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The moral and religious aspects of sexuality can be incorporated either in schools of a particular religious denomination or in adjunctive coursework offered by religious institutions. Regardless of the challenges of each society, young people must be adequately informed. Also, in some Muslim communities, individuals are encouraged to marry at young ages. They need to be educated regarding sexuality prior to the marriage such that they know what to expect and can consider their options for birth control prior to consummating the marriage. Female Genital MutilationThe practice of clitoridectomy preceded the introduction of Islam in Arabia and in different parts of Africa. This results in severe sexual debilitation of women, who cannot possibly achieve sexual fulfillment -- which is their right as Muslims. Therefore, this practice is totally unIslamic because it is in direct violation of both Qur'an and hadith, which clearly stress the importance of sexual satisfaction for both the husband and wife.

What is meant by hymencission?

In Greek mythology, Hymen or Hymenaeus was the god of marriage and the marriage feast or song. In Anatomy, Hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane found at the orifice of the female vagina, also called the vaginal membrane. Hymen is found in many female organisms in addition to human females. It is usually believed to be torn by sexual intercourse. Additionally, hymen can also be ruptured by any number of other activities including medical examinations, injury, masturbation, certain types of exercises like biking, horse-back riding, dancing and introduction of a foreign object, etc. Sometimes a hymen can break without the women even knowing it. Some women experience a small amount of bleeding due to breaking or stretching of the hymen. Hymen can have various forms, thicknesses and degrees of flexibility and not all of them significantly obstruct the opening of the vagina, so that menstrual fluid can leave the body. Conversely, one in 2000 women are born with an imperfect hymen and in such cases a woman's hymen is imperforate, and as menstrual discharge cannot then escape, surgical intervention to break it is necessary to protect her health.Virginity is a term used to describe what a person has when he or she has not yet engaged in sexual intercourse. Meaning that a male or the female can both be virgins until they have had sexual intercourse. With the standard usage of the term virginity, it has been more commonly applied to women than to men. Until recent past the term virgin was used to simply describe a female unmarried person or a young girl, because a female with untorn or commonly referred to as unbroken or intact vaginal membrane is the proof of her virginity. A physical evidence which is so inappropriate to rely on as the absence of a hymen, however, is not necessarily an indication of participation in sexual intercourse, since in some women the hymen is either absent from birth, or sufficiently vestigial not to be affected by sexual penetration. During the Middle English period, the word "maid" referred to a virgin person, whether male or female, who had never been married. Depending on the persons belief and interpretation, any form of sex, can be considered to be the reason for losing virginity.This one organ that we are talking about, the vagina, involves a number of phenomena in women, like sex, love, rape, menstruation, mutilation, masturbation, birth, virginity and orgasm. Some of these are common to men too, but not all of them and not to that intensity. All these issues have stemmed various controversies in various cultures and religions. Most of all the concept of virginity has been a source of continuous stress for women. For men loosing virginity does not change anything physiologically, but for a women it does, and for some women it changes their whole world.Scission means, the act of cutting or severing; division or fission. Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, or prepuce of the clitoris. Male circumcision is prehistoric, as old as Stone age and the Egyptian hieroglyphics, and evidence of the practice dating back to some 5000BC. Theories include that circumcision is a form of ritual sacrifice or offering, a sign of submission to a deity, a rite of passage to adulthood, a mark of defeat or slavery, or an attempt to alter esthetics or sexuality. Or is it just a less brutal way of continuing the ancient custom of sacrificing newborn children, or the first born male sacrifice, as known to have been done by Carthaginians or Phoenicians. All that openeth the matrix is mine; and every firstling among thy cattle that is male. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. (Exo 22:29-30 NIV). Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft (Deu 18:10 NIV). This redemption tax of five sicles, calculated also to remind the Israelites of the death inflicted upon the first-born of the Egyptians in punishment of Pharaoh's stubbornness (Exodus 13:15-16), went to the endowment-fund of the clergy. I just want to prove that sacrifice of the first born was a recurring practice before the famous monotheistic religions came. Islamic tradition also says it was practiced by Sarah on Hagar and that afterwards both Sarah and Abraham circumcised themselves by order of Allah. It was wide spread in the Middle East and was first introduced as a religious rite by Hebrews. For Jews it represents the fulfillment of the covenant between God and Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14). Some however argue that Jewish circumcision did not assume its present form until as late as the Maccabees (165 BC). Christians were not obliged to be circumcised and was first recorded biblically in Acts 15, but there was never, however, a prohibition of circumcision. The Virgin Mary was likewise said to have been circumcised according to Robert Briffault, a 20th century French anthropologist, surgeon, historian, social critic, and novelist. Some say that the origin of the requirement of circumcision in Islam is a matter of religious and scholarly debate. It is mentioned in some parts of the Hadith, but not in the Qur'an. Some Islamic scholars think that it is obligatory. Moreover, there are some who interpret verses in the Qur'an to imply that the requirement of circumcision is based on the covenant with Abraham. Those who support circumcision sometimes explain their views in terms of the perceived medical benefits of the procedure. Sometimes, Circumcision may be undertaken as a body modification of the genitals to change the look of the penis to appeal more to certain aesthetics. Some have propagated the possibility of better hygiene but this aspect has also been rejected by scientists. It is to be noted that males do not loose their virginity after circumcision. The do not loose their sexual drive after circumcision. They do not loose the proof of being virgins. They do not have to stop from having sex after the circumcision. Conclusively, male circumcision has its goods and bads, and many have debated on this concept, but it is not a compulsion set by any religious or medical books of this world. It seems more ritual or cultural than anything.Female circumcision, known to be older than male circumcision, (also known as female genital mutilation FGM, or female genital cutting FGC) is usually performed for cultural and social reasons by family members and sometimes others who are not members of the medical profession, with no anesthesia. Also called clitoridectomy, it involves partial or complete removal of the clitoris, prepuce, or labia of a girl or young woman. Female circumcision can be type I, type II, type III or type IV, depending on the severity of mutilation. In Type III (called infibulation or pharaonic circumcision) the vaginal opening is sewn with sutures after the circumcision, (sometimes with thorns in Sudan) to make the opening small equal to an opening as small as a matchstick-diameter, left for urine and menstrual flow. After the surgery, the girl's legs are tied together for around two weeks to prevent her from moving the wound. Liquids are heavily rationed until the incision is healed. During this primitive yet major surgery, it is not uncommon for girls, who are held down by female relatives, to die from shock or hemorrhage of the vagina, urethra, bladder, and rectal area may also be damaged, and massive keloid scarring can obstruct walking for life. After marriage, women who have been infibulated (Type III FGM) must be forcibly penetrated. "This may take up to forty days, and when men are impatient, a knife is used to widen the opening. This practice is supposed to ensure the virginity of a bride on her wedding day. It also prevents the woman from achieving sexual pleasure during coitus. The reasons given for clitoridectomies in Egypt are 'cleanliness,' and 'so that girls will not run after men." Special honeymoon centers are built outside communities so that the "screams of the brides will not be heard". There is a also bloodthirsty rite associated with infibulation in which the husband runs through the streets holding the bloodstained dagger to declare he has 'opened' his wife for conception. What joy can there be in conception if the women don't have the sensitive tissue to enjoy it and rather get stabbed in the vagina every time to get pregnant.I think God apparently created the clitoris for the sole purpose of generating pleasure. It has no other purpose. Thus God must approve of its presence. What your Lord provides is far better, and everlasting. And so, it should not be removed or reduced in size or function. I have immense sympathy for women who have the "cruelest cut" in the interests of making them "good mothers". FGM has been practiced among certain cultures, especially in parts of Africa, Middle East and Western Asia since the BC. Today, an estimated (127m) one hundred and twenty seven million women have undergone the sexual mutilation. It is performed in many African countries, including Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Chad. It is also a tradition among Muslims in Malaysia and Indonesia, and in a number of countries in the Middle East, including Egypt, the UAE, and parts of rural Saudi Arabia. Coptic Christians in Egypt and animist tribes in Africa as well as Muslims, undergo the ritual. It has probably been performed for at least 1,400 years (some references estimate 2,000 years), and started during what Muslims call "al-gahiliyyah" (the era of ignorance). The Qur'an, Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and Christian Scriptures (New Testament) is silent on the subject. The Sun nah (the words and actions of the Prophet Mohammed) contains a reference to female circumcision. 'Um Atiyyat al-Ansariyyah said: A woman used to perform circumcision in Medina. The Prophet Mohammad said to her: Do not cut too severely as that is better for a woman and more desirable for a husband. This passage is regarded by many Muslims as having little credibility or authenticity. One interpretation of this passage is that the woman was going to proceed with the circumcision anyway, even if the prophet had prohibited. There is no evidence that any of Muhammad's wives or daughters were circumcised. The Muslim Women's League comments: "According to Sayyid Sabiq, renowned scholar and author of Fiqh-us-Sunnah, all hadiths concerning female circumcision are non-authentic. FGM was also sometimes practiced in English-speaking nations as well after the first half of the Twentieth Century, ostensibly to stop masturbation. In the nineteenth century, women in the United States and Europe were also circumcised sometimes because it was believed to relieve epilepsy, hysteria, and insanity. Today, an estimated one hundred million women have undergone the sexual mutilation. In the West, the procedure is outlawed in Britain, Canada, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. But legislation against FGM can be counter-productive in some cases. It might force the practice deeply underground. Women may not seek medical care because their parents might be charged. FGC or FGM enters human rights discourse primarily on the basis of three issues: informed consent, patriarchal oppression, and violence against women. The United Nations has supported the right of member states to grant refugee status to women who fear being mutilated if they are returned to their country of origin. Canada has been the leading country so far in awarding refugee status to women with such fears. Also, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is ambiguous about FGM. On one hand, Article 24, paragraph 3 states: "States Parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of children.". But Article 29 paragraph 1.c calls for: "The development of respect for the child's parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilizations different from his or her own."African feminists generally reject the imported women's rights discourse that universally adopts an assumption of male dominance, and prefer instead to realize their gender roles on their own terms. The violence against women claim is complicated by the fact that the ritual is primarily continued by women and often against the wishes of a growing majority of men. The issue of informed consent mirrors the debate about male circumcision though with far more intensity. African feminists are aware that this issue is a convenient tool for powerful political units to manipulate in pursuing hidden agendas. Many women from African backgrounds in the USA, have been known to have asked for reinfibulation after each delivery. The practice of female genital mutilation is not universally approved by the medical profession and is considered by many to be a human rights violation.There have been various methods used in the world to ensure female virginity. In the past, during middle ages, urine tests were conducted and it was believed that a virgin's urine is clear and sparkling. It was also believed that women's breast should always point upwards. These tests were considered unromantic and thus magical objects were used to test virginity. A common object was the magic drinking horn. Women who attempted to drink from it and were not faithful to their husbands would spill the wine inside of the magic horn. There is a centuries-old Indian custom where a skein of thread is used to detect the presence of an intact hymen. "Impure" brides are beaten to reveal the names of their "lovers" and then these lovers are forced to pay large amounts of money to the bride's family. Sometimes the brides would name any man that comes to mind to avoid torture. Other tests used are "purity by water" or "Agnipariksha" (trial by fire). In the purity by water test, the woman has to hold her breath under water while another person takes one hundred steps. If she is unable to do this, she is not considered a virgin. In the trial by fire test, the brides have to walk with red-hot iron in their hands with just a plate made out of leaves and dough to shield her hands from the heat. If her hands are burnt, she is considered to be impure. There are countries like Turkey, where virginity testing is common and sometimes women have committed suicides before taking such a test. In South Africa, there is a common myth that having sex with a virgin can cure AIDS. This has resulted in infant rapes and most women started hiding their virginity. Some people think that promoting virginity could be the solution to increasing AIDS victims. Many women in Southern African tribes are volunteering for virginity testing to prove to the world that they are pure and free of AIDS. Sometimes a single glove is used to test all the volunteers. Amnesty International consider forced virginity testing to be egregious form of gender-based violence constituting torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.Is virginity the reason behind prostitution, the oldest profession of mankind. Is the existence of hymen the root cause of all virginity related issues in this world. Is virginity a reason given to men to keep women oppressed in one way or other. Does the element of virginity ensure propagation of human species. The path of life is the path of the clitoris. The hymen has to be broken at one point or the other. Who says it should be broken by sexual intercourse only. It was unfortunately designed to break and bleed to an unreturnable condition. Female sexuality is not something to fear or destroy. We do not need to cut up or stitch up our partners 'vagina' for her to be faithful to us. Lets issue a 21st Century Commandment, "Thou shalt not mutilate another person, nor encourage nor allow genital or other self-mutilation for religious, sexual or moral purposes". When is a generation of women going to rise up, not to fight, not to war, but to honor themselves and each other. This very fine and intimate membrane, so called honor, is personal to women and no one else has the right to make decisions about it. Why to face the misfortune of someone judging you at the most important day of your life just because you didn't bleed, or make the bed sheet red. Why to let someone go out on the street and announce the most intimate details of your person.I guess, if the society or the cultures or the religions or the governments do not recognize the problem then women should recognize it in the shape of hymenscission. A newly defined term or a phenomena, that allows them to break their own hymens themselves soon after birth or whenever they wish to, to prove to the rest of the world, that if they don't trust in their will to protect their own honor and dignity then the world does not deserve to experience it never ever again. Those 127 million mothers instead of enforcing FGM can start enforcing hymenscission. Men can go and find hymens somewhere else.

What are words that have the root term?

verb decisive