The doctor argues that FGM is inconsequential if done in the right manner. [Photo/Courtesy]
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) may become legal if a court petition sails through.
The petitioner; who is a doctor argues that as long as FGM is done well and on a consensual basis, then it is not any different from circumcision.
However, interest groups say the move might claw back all the gains made in the fight against the vice in the country.
The controversial petition was filed at the Machakos law courts, by Dr. Tatu Kamau, who has been practicing for 26 years want the court to declare the FGM Act unconstitutional.
“If it is medicalized, then it is made very safe, this is a common practice of genital surgery, and it is done the world over,” she said.
However, others do not agree with her notion and want the case thrown out.
“the effects are still the same, even if it is performed in hospitals, the risk are the same. There is actually no health benefit at all for women to undergo FGM. It causes fistula, bleeding and all that,” says Lawyer Sofia Leteipan.
Dr. Kamau argues that banning the tradition is embracing the western culture and forgetting about our African cultures.
“as a woman, I feel threatened if parliament can decide what I can do or what I cannot do. Tomorrow it might be the religion,” she adds.