ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the reported anger of members of some communities at the prohibition of female genital mutilation in the face of the popular acceptance and toleration of other, Western practices involving harm to the individual. It aims to compare female genital mutilation, which is banned, with cosmetic surgery, towards which the law has taken a very permissive stance. The chapter deals with one example which seems particularly pertinent and topical: cosmetic surgery. Female genital mutilation should be unlawful because: no woman could validly consent to it; it is an oppressive and sexist practice; it involves the intentional infliction of injury; and it causes offence. Female genital mutilation is a generic term used to encompass a number of practices involving surgical removal of parts of the female genital organs. Female genital mutilation has provoked strong reactions from both Western commentators and writers in the countries from whence it originates.
