Condemning the circumcision of boys in industrialized societies as well as traditional practices elsewhere, the 23 essays look at medical, legal, ethical, sociological, anthropological, historical, religious, and political dimensions. They discuss its physical and psychological consequences for the victim, its role in tradition, the medical industry's investment, current legislative efforts, methods being implemented to safeguard children, and other topics. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Sexual mutilation is a global problem that affects 15. 3 million children and young adults annually. In terms of gender, 13. 3 million boys and 2 million girls are involuntarily subjected to sexual mutilation every year. While it is tempting to quantify and compare the amount of tissue removed from either gender, no ethical justification can be made for removing any amount of flesh from the body of another person. The violation of human rights implicit in sexual mutilation is identical for any gender. The violation occurs with the first cut into another person 's body. Although mutilation is a strong term, it precisely and accurately describes a condi tion denoting "any disfigurement or injury by removal or destruction of any conspicuous or essential part of the body. " While such terms as "circumcision" and "genital cutting" are less threatening to our sensitivities, they ultimately do a disservice by masking the fact of what is actually being done to babies and children. Although the courageous example of the survivors of sexual mutilation indicates that humans can certainly live and even re produce without all of their external sexualorgans, this biological phenomenon does not, however, justify subjecting a person to sexual mutilation. The remarkable resilience of the human body is a testament to the importance nature places on reproduction rather than a vindication for surgical practices that compromise this function.

This book comprises a collection of narratives by people whose lives have been touched by female genital mutilation (FMG), across five continents.

This time honoured classic has been re-built completely: after sixeditions the editor has decided that a radical revision isnecessary. The new edition has been developed as a result ofintensive consultation with trainees in OB/GYN as to what theywant, what they need and how they learn. The book is organised into two halves covering obstetrics andgynaecology. Within each, the chapters are structured into sectionscontaining pedagogic features such as boxes, highlights and keypoints for the first time. It contains everything the clinicianneeds to practice the art of obstetrics and gynaecology andsufficient information to help sub-specialists develop theirspecific interests. This text is recommended reading for the RoyalCollege of Obstetrics and Gynaecology membership examination. This seventh edition contains 21 new chapters: Anatomy of the Pelvis and Reproductive Tract Placenta and Fetal Membranes Antenatal Care Anaesthesia and Analgesia Recurrent Miscarriage Ectopic Pregnancy Trophoblastic Disease Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis Drugs and Pregnancy Obstetric Emergencies Prolonged Pregnancy Renal Disease Termination of Pregnancy Imaging in Gynaecology PMS Assisted Reproduction Hysteroscopy and Laparoscopy Sexual Dysfunction Psychological Aspects of Pregnancy Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - now on MRCOG curriculum Ethical Dilemmas This seventh edition has been significantly updated with a widerange of internationally renowned contributors who are all expertsin their field, bringing this book to the cutting edge of knowledgein obstetrics and gynaecology. "It was my favourite textbook when I was working for myexaminations and I am still using it. I can recommend this editionto current trainees wholeheartedly. It is certainly worth buying."Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Every year around the world 13.3 million boys and 2 million girls have part or all of their external sex organs cut off. Doctors, parents, and politicians have been misled into thinking that these mutilations are beneficial, necessary and harmless. International respected experts in the fields of medicine, science, politics, law, ethics, sociology, anthropology, history and religion present the latest research, documentation and analysis of this world-wide problem, focusing on the ethical, political and legal aspects of sexual mutilation; the cost and burden to healthcare systems; the latest medical research; anatomical and function consequences; religious and cultural aspects; psychological aspects; and the world-wide campaign to end sexual mutilation.