Child Health Nursing Implications
It is important to analyze whether female genital mutilation is an act of child abuse. According to Meadow (as cited by Vivienne, 2003) “A child is considered abused if he/she is treated in a way that is unacceptable in a given culture at a given time” (p. 32). Vivienne (2003) noted that female circumcision in some cultures is not looked at as abuse since often parents do it in their best intentions for their child (p. 33). Vivienne (2003) also indicated that it is important to discuss “whether intentions excuse actions” (p. 33).
This is an important issue to address for child health since female genital mutilation can occur from infancy to adolescence (Committee of Bioethics, 2010, p. 1088). Approximately 2 millions girls are affected worldwide (Utz-Billing & Kentenich, 2008, p. 226). Female circumcision can affect an individually physically as well as psychologically (Utz-Billing & Kentenich, 2008, p. 226). From this data it can be made clear that it is important for nurses to be prepared for these circumstances so they can act accordingly and provide services that are important for children who have been victims of female genital mutilation.
This is an important issue to address for child health since female genital mutilation can occur from infancy to adolescence (Committee of Bioethics, 2010, p. 1088). Approximately 2 millions girls are affected worldwide (Utz-Billing & Kentenich, 2008, p. 226). Female circumcision can affect an individually physically as well as psychologically (Utz-Billing & Kentenich, 2008, p. 226). From this data it can be made clear that it is important for nurses to be prepared for these circumstances so they can act accordingly and provide services that are important for children who have been victims of female genital mutilation.