SE4/EP 40: When Tradition Causes Harm - Challenging the Practice of Female Genital Mutilation with Dr. Jessica Puri

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) remains one of the most difficult yet necessary conversations facing communities around the world. While often surrounded by cultural beliefs, secrecy, and silence, FGM/C is a practice that has devastating lifelong consequences for girls and women physically, emotionally, and psychologically.Dr. Ibrahim Puri brings her years of research and teaching experience to this conversation, breaking down a complex and sensitive topic in a way that is accessible, compassionate, and educational. Through her ability to simplify difficult conversations, she helps listeners understand not only what FGM/C is, but also why it continues to exist and what communities can do to protect future generations.Before discussing FGM/C, Dr. Ibrahim Puri shares her personal journey, including her family background, immigrant experience, and the challenges she encountered while navigating life as a student and newcomer in America.Our conversation explores the history and origins of FGM/C, including the misconception that it is only an African practice. Dr. Ibrahim Puri explains that FGM/C has occurred in various regions around the world and discusses the social, cultural, and gender-related factors that allow the practice to continue.She explains the four recognized types of FGM/C and highlights the serious health consequences experienced by survivors. These consequences may include severe bleeding, infections, painful menstruation, urinary complications, cysts, chronic pain, childbirth complications, obstetric fistula, infertility challenges, and increased risks during delivery, including risks to newborn health.Beyond the physical consequences, Dr. Ibrahim Puri emphasizes the profound psychological impact of FGM/C. Many survivors experience trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, and symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She discusses how FGM/C can affect identity, relationships, sexuality, and emotional well-being throughout a survivor’s lifetime.Dr. Ibrahim Puri also shares insights from her recent dissertation research examining the association between FGM/C and HIV, highlighting the importance of understanding the broader health implications of the practice.We discuss the prevalence of FGM/C among African immigrant communities in the diaspora, including challenges faced in the United States. Although FGM/C is illegal in the United States and recognized as a violation of human rights, some families attempt to avoid legal consequences through practices such as “vacation cutting,” where girls are taken abroad to undergo the procedure.This episode is not about blaming communities—it is about education, awareness, protecting girls, supporting survivors, and creating conversations that lead to lasting change.As Dr. Ibrahim Puri reminds us, ending FGM/C requires courage, compassion, and collective action. By continuing to speak about this issue openly, communities can challenge harmful practices and create a safer future for girls and women everywhere.Guest BioDr. Jessica Ibrahim Puri is a social scientist, researcher, and instructor of Field Studies in Public Health at Northwestern University. Her research focuses on female genital mutilation/cutting, adverse childhood experiences, gender-based violence, trauma, health equity, and global health.She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University Chicago, her Master of Public Health from DePaul University, and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University.Call 800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) for available resources if:· You believe you are at risk of FGM/C;· You have undergone FGM/C;· You have questions about FGM/C;· You have information about someone who is performing FGM/C in the United States; or· You know of someone who may be at risk of FGM/C here or outside the United States.