September 3, 2010
CARE.org
An estimated 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital cutting, also called female circumcision. Female genital cutting includes several different forms of cutting practiced for hundreds of years. Infibulation, the most severe, involves cutting some or all of the external genitalia, leaving only a very small opening for urination and menstruation.
The procedure can also cause serious health and social problems that follow a woman her whole life.The health complications from infibulation can include chronic and severe pain, infection, prolonged and difficult labor and difficulties with menstruation. Psychologically, cutting can cause tension between couples due to painful or difficult sexual relations. Socially, cutting makes it harder for girls to go to school or earn income by making them more likely to marry early.
The practice of female genital cutting is disturbing to talk about. It is part of deeply-held religious and cultural beliefs in communities that practice it. But it also is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.Every year, in communities around the world, as many as 3 million girls are at risk of this painful procedure despite its many risks. We must do all we can to encourage the governments in the communities where female genital cutting most often occurs to put a stop to it. You can help. Ask Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to do all she can to urge countries who practice female genital cutting to protect human rights and end this harmful practice.
PETITION TEXT
Support human rights and help stop female genital cutting
Dear Secretary Clinton,
An estimated 100 to 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital cutting, also called female circumcision. Every day, in countries around the world, most commonly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, as many as 6,000 girls risk undergoing this painful procedure. The consequences for their health and emotional well-being can be severe.
The practice of female genital cutting is disturbing to talk about. It also is part of deeply-held religious and cultural beliefs in the communities that practice it. But discussing it is important and a respectful approach can work. The United States can take a strong stand against this harmful practice.
We have a chance to help millions of young girls around the world to avoid the pain and suffering from female genital cutting by working to eradicate it. For the thousands of girls who risk undergoing the painful procedure every day, you can make a world of difference.
The practice of female genital cutting is disturbing to talk about. It also is part of deeply-held religious and cultural beliefs in the communities that practice it. But discussing it is important and a respectful approach can work. The United States can take a strong stand against this harmful practice.
We have a chance to help millions of young girls around the world to avoid the pain and suffering from female genital cutting by working to eradicate it. For the thousands of girls who risk undergoing the painful procedure every day, you can make a world of difference.
[Your name]
