Female Circumcision

To the Editor: We agree with Dr. Toubia (Sept. 15 issue) 1 that female circumcision can cause lasting complications. The issue, however, is very complex. This traditional practice is as diverse as the people who practice it. The author states that there is no evidence that the clitoral prepuce is ever excised, without scarring, in a manner analogous to male circumcision. As health providers for refugees, we work with many Ethiopian and Eritrean women who underwent this form of circumcision as infants, just as their brothers were circumcised. They are surprised at the refusal of outsiders to recognize this practice. Women . . .