I am proud to be a cosponsor of this amendment that addresses an issue so crucial to the mental and physical health of women and girls. The ritual practice of female genital mutilation currently affects an estimated 80 million women in over 30 countries. Although FGM is most widespread in parts of Africa. the Middle East. and the Far East. immigrants from practicing groups have brought the custom to wherever they have settled. In the countries and cultures of its origin. FGM is most commonly performed with crude instruments such as dull razor blades. glass. and kitchen knives while the girl is tied or held down by other women.
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immigrants