"The agony between cultural accommodation and zero tolerance" : female genital mutilation (FGM) and male circumcision (MC), a comparison

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is for a long time already subject of different worldwide international campaigns. Male Circumcision (MC) is even much more widespread but is on the contrary a much more accepted practice. However recently a debate started over the tolerance of MC and whether FGM and MC are comparable. Can we put both practices on the same footing or do they rely on a different base not only from a social (healthcare) or cultural/religious point of view but also from a legal one? Chapter I and II will discuss in general what FGM and MC entail. Chapter III will make a comparison between both practices on basis of their health consequences. Chapter IV will make a comparison on basis of their general human rights considerations. Chapter V will discuss how western society deals with MC and FGM. In the last chapter the rights of the child will be balanced against the rights of the parents with regard to MC and this with the focus on freedom of religion for children and their right to an open future.