Naming routine episiotomy for what it is: female genital mutilation. Conceptual contributions from childbirth experiences in Chile
Abstract
During the 20th century, episiotomy expanded as a practice in obstetrics. At present, after more than three decades of solid scientific evidence that recommends not practicing it routinely, it continues to be performed in alarmingly high numbers. This article analyzes the cultural meaning of episiotomy as a rite within technocratic childbirth, based on childbirth testimonies given by women in the First Survey on Childbirth in Chile, carried out by the Chilean Obstetric Violence Observatory in 2017. These testimonies show that episiotomy is, in most cases, practiced routinely, without consent, and that it has serious consequences in the physical and mental health and in the sexual life of women. Thus, it can be considered as a western form of female genital mutilation. We conclude by stating that it is urgent to attend to this practice and name it for what it is: a form of genital mutilation with serious consequences in the lives of women, which must be made visible.
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