FGM is strongly increasing again, especially in the rural areas of Egypt, according to the Women and Development Association’s latest report. Despite the fatwa (religious ruling) issued by the Grand Mufti Ali Gomaa, many people in Egypt still believe that FGM is demanded by their religion.
According to UNICEF, 91% of women are still genital-mutilated in Egypt. 72% of girls are mutilated by medical doctors! shows the study. It is hard to understand how doctors, who have sworn an oath and should have strong ethical principles, can perform this misogynistic practice.
Although Egypt has laws against FGM, with penalties range from 140 USD to 700 USD, only one case has been brought to court in 2013. After the tragic death of the 13 year-old Suhair Al-Bate ‘a, who died of blood loss and shock after being genital mutilated by a doctor, the court started a prosecution.