A Michigan doctor has been accused of the genital mutilation of two 7-year-old girls at an unnamed medical clinic, though a criminal complaint filed in federal court suggests there may be more victims.
According to a New York Times article, the accused, Dr. Jumana Nagarwala, was arrested earlier this month on charges of preforming genital mutilation, transporting minors with intent to engage in sexual criminal activity and lying to federal agents. She denied allegations of genital cutting on children when she appeared in court.
Though genital cutting has been illegal in the U.S. since 1996, this law was amended in 2013 to outlaw “vacation cutting,” where girls are transported to other countries for the procedure. Even with these laws, half million women in the U.S were still at risk of, or affected by, genital cutting in 2012. The author cites the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as her source, which enhances her credibility.
Genital cutting involves removing genitalia before puberty, and puts women at risk for things like childbirth complications.
The two girls, both from Minnesota, went with their parents to the unnamed clinic under false pretenses, where Dr. Nagarwala allegedly performed the procedures. One of the girls experienced a procedure so painful that she could hardly walk after it was completed. According to the criminal complaint filed in federal court, there may have been “multiple” other girls victimized between 2005 and 2007.
Dr. Nagarwala has been placed on administrative leave at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital, where she practices emergency medicine. The hospital made a statement saying they would never support this practice.
Though horrific, this case of abuse is significant in the fight against female genital mutilation. It can spread awareness about the issue and encourage people like teachers and health care providers to learn to report abuse.