By Erin Severs
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 22, 1997

More research needed

Editor:

This letter is in response to Jon Leonard's letter on female genital mutilation. He asks, "Why are we, as Americans, so concerned with a ritual in another country?" I, as a human, am deeply concerned when half the population of any country is subjected to inhumane and life-threatening mistreatment. (And FGM does happen in the United States, Jon.)

Male circumcision is not equatable to female "circumcision." Female genital mutilation, in its mildest form, involves removal of the clitoris. This would be about the same as cutting off the head of the penis. I suggest that Mr. Leonard do a little research about the practice of female genital mutilation. He will be shocked and sickened at what he learns.

Erin Severs
English sophomore