Dear colleagues... As you are most probably aware the issue of female circumcision has become a subject of active debate in Kurdistan in the last few years. Thanks to activism from non-governmental organizations and human/women's rights groups in Kurdistan, public awareness and media attention to the subject is significantly higher than before. The publication of the Human Rights Watch report, and the following storm of articles and responses from official and religious bodies, as well as from intellectuals and scholars, further intensified debate on this practice. We have been fervently following these developments, and we are glad to see the momentum of developments heading in the right direction. As physicians and doctors working in Kurdistan and living among the people, we have a responsibility towards our fellow citizens not only in terms of relieving disease and suffering, but also in contributing to the physical, mental and psychological health of our society. It is medically well-known that the practice of female circumcision, otherwise known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), causes significant and permanent physical and psychological trauma that has long-lasting, if not permanent, consequences on the victims. Apart from physical damage and loss of physiological function, the accompanying psychological trauma has a significant impact on the mental and sexual health of those who are circumcised. Moreover, the performance of such a destructive procedure on children without informed consent, is a clear violation of universally acknowledged medical ethics, a fact that alone should be reason enough to oppose this practice. Finally, the reasons usually given to legitimize this practice are medically not justifiable and outdated, and the harms caused by it greatly outweigh the supposed benefits accrued from it. In light of the recent publication of a book by Dr. Mustafa Zalmi, the Kurdish Scholar of Islamic Law, in which he cites Quranic verses that argue against female circumcision, and given the statement by the Krudistan Fatwa Committee that they are awaiting medical advise as to the harms of FGM before they would issue a fatwa to forbid it, we think that we have the best opportunity now to effect a decree that would ultimately result in elimination of this practice in Kurdistan. As physicians and surgeons we can raise our voice and petition the Fatwa Committee, and convey our united position against this practice. By doing this we will provide the last straw needed to break the chains that bind our people to the outdated practices of our ancestors. Please rise to this challenge and help us build a healthier and more prosperous Kurdistan by signing this petition. We will write a letter addressed to the Fatwa Committee demanding a clear and effective fatwa against female circumcision. Your signatures will be delivered with the letter. Thank you very much for your contribution. Dr. Hemin A Sabir MBChB, MSc

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