To whom it may concern:


We the undersigned believe that female genital mutilation (FGM) is a violation of human rights. This procedure is an unnecessary medical practice that creates more harm than good:  over 3 million girls between the ages of infancy and 16 years old (approximately) run the risk of having female genital mutilation performed on them this year.  Young females are having their genitals cut and altered in order to be deemed "pure" and "good."  Women who survive the act of FGM run the risk of having complications later in life: infertility or difficulties with childbirth. Childbirth can become deadly to not only the infants but the mothers. Bladder infections and urinary tract infections can be side-effects that continuously hamper young girls' lives.  FGM is not a religious belief or tradition, but a cultural practice that interferes with the daily lives of millions of girls and women internationally.

Currently in the United States, there are girls having the FGM act committed on them in underground circumstances or they are being sent to other countries where this act is performed.  And although FGM is performed in the United States, it doesn't mean that the process isn't just as dangerous or horrendous.  One state--- Nevada--- has outlawed the removal of any young girls from its borders to have female genital mutilation done.  We pride ourselves on being the land of the free, but in reality, little girls are being forced by their families to have this procedure done ON OUR OWN SOIL.  Now is the time to end the practice of female genital mutilation in our country and in other nations.

"Two days ago they told us they were doing our hair. They forced us to lie down and they cut us.  It burned and it hurt very much" (Asmah Mohammaed, 6 years old.) This is the testimony of a six year old girl, whom we should be protecting instead of enabling others to harm through FGM.

Please help us in the fight against worldwide female genital mutilation. Education as well as laws to protect these at-risk females ARE A MUST.  Now is the time to end the torture and horrific acts that are being perpetrated.

LET'S EDUCATE INSTEAD OF MUTILATE.

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