Medical narrative and religious norm driving cut type and medicalization changes in female genital mutilation/cutting in Somaliland.

The authors' aim was to examine if the nature of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in Somaliland is changing and any contributing factors. In this mixed method qualitative study the researchers used 24 focus groups, 20key informant interviews and 28 in-depth interviews with multiple stakeholders. We found a shift from the pharaonic to Sunna cut, an age decrease at which FGM/C is performed and an increase in its medicalization. Shift in cut type and medicalization appears to be partly a response to the medical narrative of anti-FGM/C campaigns, partly an intertwining of messaging regarding health risks and religious norms. We recommend a need to consider programs that reflect upon the utility and appropriateness of moving the dominant narrative to issues around the right to bodily integrity and bodily autonomy, and melding that messaging with the Islamic discourse on protecting health that focuses on collective welfare.