Global Consultation on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

This publication contains rich research findings concerning global trends and the prevalence of female genital mutilation/cutting and its linkages with maternal and newborn health. It describes changing patterns and practices, including medicalization, and analyzes the threat FGM/C poses to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals as well as its economic and health costs. It identifies important lessons and discusses in detail case studies as well as the application of theories as a basis for accelerating the abandonment process.

It also addresses the needs for closing gaps in law enforcement, building capacity, mobilizing resources and building global partnerships. This extensive knowledge -- which was shared by research institutions, foundations, lawyers, medical professionals, religious scholars, development partners and NGOs -- would be difficult to find elsewhere.