In 1997, the United States made female circumcision under the age of 18 illegal (Horowitz & Jackson, 1995). How was this decision made? What components are examined when attempting to deem illegal?
• How does the practice of female circumcision differ from the other practices identified in the readings? What is it about this practice that makes it illegal? For example, the Jewish faith continues to practice the ritual of circumcision; some Native American tribes continue to use peyote during ritualistic practices; these remain legal - why these and not others?
• Clearly the topic of female circumcision is a volatile one however how much of our reaction comes from our own discomfort with the practice? Are we overlooking the fact that the practice is part of a culture? Are we attempting to force this particular culture to fit into our comfort "box"?
• What type of treatment approach would you take with a person coming from a culture that engages in practices different from your own? Particularly if it's a practice that makes you uncomfortable?