Supreme Court Condemns Female Genital Mutilation as a Health Threat
The Supreme Court of India has delivered a powerful rebuke against the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), underscoring its severe health repercussions and distancing it from the practice of circumcision. During a recent hearing, the Court emphasised that FGM, which is prevalent among certain sections of the Dawoodi Bohra community, is a harmful tradition that inflicts irreversible physical and psychological damage on young girls, often as young as seven.
FGM, unlike circumcision, has no health benefits and is performed without any medical justification. It is a practice that has long been shrouded in cultural and religious justifications but stands unsupported by any religious texts, including the Bible. Indeed, Christian missionaries in Africa historically took a leading role in campaigns against FGM, recognising its absence from Christian doctrine.
Advocates against FGM, such as Siddharth Lutha, have argued that the practice strips girls of their sexual autonomy and inflicts lifelong trauma. The Supreme Court's observations come as a part of its broader deliberations during the Sabarimala reference case, where it noted the importance of safeguarding individual rights against archaic and harmful customs.
The Global Context
This judgement arrives as the international community marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. According to UNICEF, the prevalence of FGM has affected millions more women than previously estimated, highlighting a pressing need for global action.
The ruling by the Supreme Court is a beacon of hope for activists striving to end FGM. It sends a clear message that cultural practices cannot override the fundamental rights to health and bodily integrity. As awareness grows, it is hoped that this ruling will catalyse further efforts to eradicate FGM, ensuring a safer future for young girls across the world.
