Dr Tatu Kamau has filed a case at the Machakos High Court seeking to have female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), legalised for adult women who should 'have the right to choose FGM'.

Women who choose to undergo FGM can do so now, as they have done for centuries.        Therefore the legalization of this practice is completely unnecessary and will implicate Kenya in  additional Human Rights issues such as Human Trafficking and Child Marriage.   

FGM/C is a harmful practice that violates the bodies of thousands of women and girls across the world and damages their mental, emotional and physical health.

There are no proven health or other benefits associated with this harmful practice that is used to control and oppress women and girls in many cultures around the world.

The issue of legalizing FGM is not simply a matter of 'giving women the right to choose FGM'. The domino effect of this legalization leads to increased cases of forced FGM and a violation of many women and girls' right to health due to community, cultural and familial pressures.

Proven harmful effects of FGM include:

- High drop out rates for girls in school

- Forced Child Marriage

- Reproductive Health Issues; severe pain, excessive tissue swelling, painful urination, UTIs and other infections, menstruation complications, inhibited sexual health and even death

- Psychological Issues include; increased likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression.

Legalizing FGM will therefore justify this harmful practice that is illegal in International Law and International Human Rights doctrine including CEDAW, UDHR, ICCPR, ACHPR and the CRC. More girls and women will be subjected to this harmful practice if it is legalized, particularly in rural areas of Kenya.

The cultural significance of FGM might not protect against psychological complications.

Please support this cause and BLOCK the appeal for the legalization of FGM to help Kenyan women and girls escape this harmful practice and have a better future