ABSTRACT
Consequence upon modern investigation and findings the adverse implications of female genital mutilation (FGM). Or Female Circumcision (F.C) as it is now commonly called among the western world, it has become imperative to question the moral worth of Female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M).
Female Genital Mutilation which is usually called female circumcision among communities where it is practiced is analogically equivalent, in such community perspective to male circumcision but (F.G.M) goes far beyond male circumcision as a result of the extent to which body parts are removed. Dr. (Mrs) A.P Osemwenkha defines (F.G.M) as “ the collective name given to any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the female genitaliai and injury of the female genital organs for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reasons. “ Dr. (Mrs) A.P Osemenkha, Female Genital Mutilation, definition and prevalence, (Women’s health and action research centre publications, Benin City 1998). Within this definition, an attempt will be made in this book to distinguish between FGM and FC.
As a result of genital mutilations, negative implication tend to in here in the individual mutilated. Both immediately and later on, in the adult’s life, especially during child birth. Among such implications are shock, infections, haemorrhage and to some even death in an attempt to look into the moral worth and the critique of female genital mutilation or circumcision, ethical theories and principles as then question human nature, actions and their goals will be surveyed among ethnical theories of Joseph fletcher.
The utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics (i.e categorical imperative of Immanuel kant). In respect to ethical principles, those that will be use here are the principles of autonomy, informed consent, nonmaleficences and justice. This essay will be an evaluation of the consequences of (FGM) along aside with the theories and principles. Nigeria among it’s cities and villages like Benin, Etsako, Hausa etc will be area of focus in which a comparative study will be made among such towns.
