Calling for a Law Against Female Genital Mutiliation

According to Mali's second Demographic and Health Survey of 1996, Female Genital Mutiliation (FGM) is practiced in all parts of the country with a prevalence rate of 94%.  FGM is generally performed on girls below the age of 10 years with some as young as 3 months old.  The cuttings may have lifelong health consequences including chronic infection, psychological trauma, and sever pain during urination, menstruation, sexual intercourse and childbirth.  Many girls die from the cutting, usually as a result of bleeding and infection. This petition will be sent to the Malian President and Minister of Justice to urge them to support the introduction and passage of a law against FGM and to also take measures to educate their people on the harmful effects of FGM.