FGM Terminology:

A contextual use of terminology should be applied when working with a female patient. Here are common FGM terms and their implications (3):

• “Female Genital Mutilation”:
  • “Mutilation” reinforces that the practice is a violation of girls’ and women’s rights
  • Promotes national and international advocacy for FGM abandonment
  • Establishes clear distinction from male circumcision
  • Widely accepted term

• “Female Genital Cutting”:
  • Often used among practicing communities and individuals
  • Reflect importance of using non-judgmental terminology

• “Female Circumcision”:
  • Should be avoided since it draws a parallel with male circumcision and thus creates confusion between these two different practices

• Cultural Competency:
  • A survivor or affected communities should be asked which term she or they prefer
  • Different communities and cultures will use different terms when discussing FGM

Empowering Terminology:

• “Victim” vs. “Survivor”
  • Mainstream the use of the term survivor instead of victim to empower the patient
  • A woman or girl should be asked which term she prefers to use.
• “FGM-affected communities” vs. “FGM-practicing communities”
  • FGM-affected communities conveys a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of FGM on communities than the more neutral FGM- practicing communities