Female genital mutilation: 'Infringement on female reproductive rights,' health society says

Adinma expressed concern that a lot of Nigerians indulge in the practice out of ignorance and belief without knowing the dangers inherent in it.

The Society of Gynecology and Obstetricians of Nigeria (SOGON), has described Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as fundamental instruments of infringement of female reproductive rights.

Prof. Joseph Adinma, President of the association, made the statement on Saturday in Abuja at an interactive session with newsmen to mark the end of the association’s 50th anniversary and 49th Annual General Meeting.

Adinma expressed concern that a lot of Nigerians indulge in the practice out of ignorance and belief without knowing the dangers inherent in it.

He said that the dangers inherent in the practice are contributing factors to fistula and maternal mortality in the country.

"The practice is carried out with the intention to dominate, subordinate and make women feel inferior or incomplete, ’he said, adding that Nigeria contributes 25 per cent of the global burden of female genital mutilation.

The president said that Nigeria had assented to the global decision to promote, protect and uplift women sexual and reproductive rights, adding that the only way to achieve this was through advocacy.

He said that advocacy and public enlightenment on the consequences of FGM was the best way to curtail the practice.

"It is our responsibility to give people correct information.

"Part of the package under our advocacy instruments is to reach out to the nooks and crannies of the country to inform the people of the dangers inherent in the practice,’’ he said.