Female genital cutting or circumcision is the partial or complete removal of the external female genital organs. It is done for cultural rather than medical reasons. 

Female genital circumcision (FGC) is illegal in all Australian states and territories.

Health problems after FGC include infections, abscesses, blocked urinary flow and painful sexual intercourse.

The practice can be found in communities and certain ethnic groups in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.

According to the World Health Organization, around 200 million women across the globe are affected, with around three million girls undergoing the procedure every year. Estimates suggest that there are around 120,000 migrant women in Australia who experienced FGC in their country of birth.

Different types of female genital cutting
The different types of FGC are classified by the extent of the practice involved. They include:

Type I – clitoridectomy, or ‘sunna’. The hood of skin that sits over the clitoris (prepuce) is removed. The clitoris may or may not be removed in part or in total.

Type II – clitoridectomy, ‘sunna’ or excision and circumcision. The entire clitoris is removed. The inner lips (labia minora) are either partially or totally removed.

Type III – infibulation or ‘Pharaonic’ circumcision. The removal of all or part of the labia minora and labia majora, with the stitching of a seal across the vagina, leaving a small opening for the passage of urine and menstrual blood.

Type IV – other practices including piercing, cauterising, scraping or using corrosive substances designed to scar and narrow the vagina.

Health impacts of female genital cutting
FGC has no health benefit to women and girls, and it can have negative impacts on sexual and reproductive health.

There may be immediate and long-term negative health impacts including:

bleeding
shock
infection
death
scarring and cysts
blocked flow of urine
urinary incontinence
recurring urinary tract infections
infections of the pelvis
increased risk of infertility
painful sexual intercourse
reduced sexual enjoyment
post-traumatic stress syndrome, including nightmares and flashbacks
depression
social isolation
childbirth difficulties, such as severe tearing and haemorrhage
chronic anxiety.

What the law says about Female genital cutting 
Female genital cutting is illegal in Victoria and across Australia, in all circumstances. Taking a person outside Victoria to another state or territory or overseas for this procedure is also illegal. The maximum penalty in Victoria is 15 years imprisonment.

It’s also against the law to perform re-infibulation after childbirth to narrow or close the vaginal opening. Restitching immediately after childbirth by a doctor or midwife is only performed for tearing.