Students' Knowledge of and Attitudes about Female Circumcision in Egypt

To the Editor: Female circumcision, the surgical modification or removal of the female genitalia, is an ancient custom that continues to be widely practiced, mainly in nonhospital settings. Over 120 million women worldwide have been subjected to female circumcision, and 2 million girls are at risk for the procedure each year. 1 Immediate complications, such as massive hemorrhage and infection, and long-term effects on physical, sexual, and psychological health are frequent and can be life-threatening. 2 , 3 Cultural reasons for women to subject their young daughters to female circumcision include the false beliefs that it is necessary for chastity, marriage, good hygiene, . . .