Egypt is now imposing a complete ban on female circumcision following the death of a 12-year-old Egyptian girl at the hands of a doctor during the operation. The incident has sparked a public outcry and prompted health and religious authorities to ban the practice.

On June 28, 2007, the Egyptian Health Ministry announced a ban on female circumcision, saying that doctors, nurses, or any other person are prohibited to carry out any cutting, flattening, or modification of any natural part of the female reproductive system, either in government hospitals, nongovernment hospitals, or any other places.” Authorities warned that violators would be punished, although the penalty was not specified. However, a new law will still be needed to effectively enforce the ban.

This announcement came after 12-year old Budour Ahmad Shaker, died during a female circumcision operation. She reportedly died of an overdose of an anaesthetic at a private clinic in Minya province, Upper Egypt during the operation. The doctor who performed the operation has reportedly been arrested.

The young girl's death triggered widespread condemnation of female circumcision and an angry barrage of appeals from human rights groups are urging both the government and the medical profession to act swiftly and stop the practice.

Female circumcision, which involves the removal of the clitoris, and is also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), has been banned in Egypt nearly 10 years ago. But the practice still continues despite educational efforts by human rights organisations.

A recent study by Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population found that 50.3 percent of girls between the age of 10-18 years have been circumcised. The operation is usually performed by doctors in private clinics or, by barbers or midwives in rural areas.

Sources:
“Egypt bans female circumcision after death of 12-year-old girl” from The Guardian, posted on June 30, 2007, <http://www.guardian.co.uk/egypt/story/0,,2115290,00.html>.
“Egypt forbids female circumcision” from BBC News, posted on June 28, 2007, <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6251426.stm>.