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Review
. 1996 May-Jun;26(3):31-40.

Judging the other. Responding to traditional female genital surgeries

S D Lane, R A Rubinstein
  • PMID: 8736673
Review

Judging the other. Responding to traditional female genital surgeries

S D Lane et al. Hastings Cent Rep. 1996 May-Jun.

Abstract

PIP: Traditional female genital circumcision, or female genital mutilation, performed upon women in some non-Western cultures has provoked considerable international controversy since the late 1970s. Western feminists, physicians, and ethicists condemn such practice. Having made moral judgement against female genital mutilation, however, what is the next step? There is clearly an impasse between cultural relativism on the one hand and universalism on the other. Those at the forefront of the debate on female genital mutilation must learn to work respectfully with, instead of independently of, local resources for cultural self-examination and change. The authors discuss cultural relativism and moral universalism; female circumcision in sections on epidemiology, health effects, and culture, religion, and social change; the debate historically; the response of Arab and African women; and moving beyond the impasse.

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Comment in

  • Circumcision revisited.
    Kessel R. Kessel R. Hastings Cent Rep. 1997 Mar-Apr;27(2):4; author reply 5. Hastings Cent Rep. 1997. PMID: 9131342 No abstract available.
  • Circumcision revisited.
    Miller F. Miller F. Hastings Cent Rep. 1997 Mar-Apr;27(2):4; author reply 5. Hastings Cent Rep. 1997. PMID: 9131343 No abstract available.
  • Circumcision revisited.
    Macklin R. Macklin R. Hastings Cent Rep. 1997 Mar-Apr;27(2):4-5. Hastings Cent Rep. 1997. PMID: 9131344 No abstract available.

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