Aussie docs considering traditional 'ritual nicks' to circumcise females

Sydney, May 28 (ANI): Medics in Australia are thinking of introducing a controversial form of genital mutilation carried out on baby girls- "ritual nicks".

The practice of "ritual nicks" could meet the cultural needs of some women and potentially save some people from drastic surgery, according to the Royal Australian New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

While the custom is illegal in Australia, female genital mutilation is common among some African, Asian and Middle Eastern communities but has been known to leave some young girls scarred for life when not carried out in proper clinical facilities.

"We will need to start to think about [its introduction] but we would have to speak to community leaders from Australia," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted RANZCOG secretary Gino Pecoraro as telling News Ltd.

"But we need to make sure we do not legitimise the ritualistic maiming of children," added Pecoraro.

RANZCOG said the issue would be discussed at a women's health meeting in June. (ANI)