The increasing demand for reconstructive clitoral surgery among circumcised women living in Europe : A nexus analysis

• Introduction: The demand for the surgical technique of clitoral reconstructive surgery introduced by Pierre Foldès is increasing globally despite lack of evidence of its benefits weighed against its potential harms. Methods: In an ongoing study, we use nexus analysis to study the introduction of the surgery in Sweden. In nexus analysis, one simultaneously reviews current discourses, actors and settings to understand a particular phenomenon. In this analysis we seek to determine who is promoting the surgery, in what settings, and what discourses are offered to interpret the phenomenon. Results: Preliminary results, in line with other studies from social science literature, suggest that reconstructive clitoral surgery as a biomedical practice is a response to Western discourses on ‘female genital mutilation’: discourses that label cut women as ‘mutilated’, sexually deprived and less feminine than uncut women. These discourses in themselves are harmful to women and may cause them to seek a surgical solution that may not actually lead to improved outcomes. Conclusion: A new biomedical surgical procedure has been introduced and is generally praised, despite the lack of evidence to prove beneficial outcomes. This surgery is embedded in a powerful discourse that may negatively affect far more women than those who opt for surgery. The negative effects of female genital cutting should be carefully addressed in campaigning in order not to stigmatize already cut women further.

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