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{
    "id": 56376,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/56376/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 344,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Mrs. Odhiambo-Mabona",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 376,
        "legal_name": "Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona",
        "slug": "millie-odhiambo-mabona"
    },
    "content": "which is a mild form that involves the removal of the prepuce and part of or the entire clitoris. There is also excision which involves removal of the clitoris and the inner lips which is the labia minora . There is also infibulation which involves the removal of the clitoris, some of or all of the labia minora are cut off and incisions are made in the inner lips to create raw surfaces. Those raw surfaces are either stitched together or kept in contact by tying legs together until they heal as hood of skin which covers the urethra and most of the vagina. A tiny hole is left for the urine and menstruation after infibulations. As a result, an opening has often to be made before sexual intercourse and with each birth of a child. That is the severe form of female genital mutilation (FGM). The unclassified form of FGM includes pricking and piercing with tongs and scissors, and all manner of things, including razor blades. So, I would want to move that we include in the Bill unclassified form of FGM, following the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) classification. Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I would also want to say that I will be moving an amendment because the Bill seems to suggest that medicalisation of FGM is acceptable. The standards that the WHO passed even as late as 2008 outlaw medicalisation of FGM. The reasons that have been given for FGM are varied. Mainly, they are myths, which are cultural. For instance, many girls are told that the clitoris will grow and reach the ground. Some are told that it will be unsightly. The origin of FGM has actually been associated with Africa, yet the origin of this practice is even traced to Europe and other countries, where it was used for the cure of hysteria and masturbation. Due to lack of time, I will not quote one of the doctors who started practising it in Europe. So, it is not just an African practice, but is actually a method of reproductive control. It is a human rights issue. It covers issues of discrimination, child rights, health and physical security of women, dignity, integrity, etcetera . Madam Temporary Deputy Speaker, I want to briefly mention some of the complications associated with FGM. The short-term effects include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage, and tetanus, which is bacterial infection, urine retention and open sores. The long-term consequences of FGM include recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cyst infection, infertility and an increase in child birth complications as well as newborn deaths, amongst others. Therefore, due to these reasons, the enactment of this law is timely. The new Constitution actually outlaws all forms of harmful cultural practices against women and children. So, what we are doing is really part of implementation of the new Constitution. With those few remarks, I beg to support."
}