Is female genital mutilation a cultural practice or a crime? Female genital mutilation, better known as female genital excision, is an operation performed based on religious and cultural reasons. However, all the victims who suffered this sacrifice explain it as a crime. Female genital mutilation is a heartbreaking practice that violates basic human rights and must be banned worldwide. FGM is an operation in which the clitoris and genitals are completely cut off. Referring to (www.mtholyoke.edu) The cause of this procedure can vary: it can be family honor, protection of virginity, religion or excessive sexual satisfaction for one's partner. Furthermore, this is done by traditional midwives with no medical experience, without anesthesia or drugs. The tools used for this practice are pieces of glass, knives, scissors, razors and other sharp instruments. Female genital mutilation is practiced and carried out with cruelty and without mercy. Furthermore, FGM consists of the complete removal of the external female genitalia. According to www.forwarduk.org, FGM is made up of four types. The first type, known as a clitoridectomy, requires cutting the skin surrounding the clitoris without cutting the clitoris itself. The second type involves cutting the clitoris and surrounding skin, even some parts of the labia minora or sometimes the labia completely. The third type, the most terrible, is the removal of the external genitalia and the stitching of the vaginal opening. This procedure is known as infibulation. The tissue then creates a scar channel over the vigina leaving a miniature hole for urine and menstrual blood. The victim then has serious complications during sexual activity. Most cases of female genital mutilation fall into this... half of the paper... tradition today wants to stop it alone. However, others involved in this culture do not accept it because religion and their social acceptance are greater than their desire to stop this cruelty towards women. Today there is an organization that helps stop this critical dilemma. Women around the world are fighting this practice which has affected women for more than 5,000 years. All these women want their voices to be heard. Everyone can help fight for these young girls and women by donating to put an end to this terrible experience. Donations can be made at www.stopfgmnow.com. Because if the community doesn't help stop it, the people who do won't. “Female genital mutilation targets girls, little girls, fragile angels who cannot fight back. It is a crime against humanity. It's abuse. It's an absolute crime and we have to stop it – Waris Dirie