LANSING — Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) and Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) have introduced resolutions, Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 and House Resolution 230, respectively, highlighting the need to further protect Michigan’s women from the physical and psychological trauma caused by female genital mutilation.
“As a teenager, I learned about this unthinkable practice occurring at home and around the world,” Sen. Polehanki said. “I was compelled to introduce this resolution upon hearing that a doctor at a clinic in my Senate district was still performing this practice, and I will continue to work until we bring this unbelievable misogyny to an end.”
The concurrent resolutions, introduced on the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, seek to:
- Create and enforce stricter criminal laws;
- Devote adequate resources to investigations; and,
- Engage in a robust public health awareness campaign.
“In this day and age, the dangerous and malicious practice of female genital mutilation continues to plague women and girls in our state and worldwide as a means of control through violence,” Rep. Manoogian said. “With this resolution, we reaffirm that Michigan’s women and girls will be protected, and those who have survived these unconscionable acts will be supported by our community in every way possible.”
Approximately 200 million girls worldwide have been subjected to female genital mutilation, and nearly half a million girls and women in the United States have endured or are at risk for this irreversible violation. Along with the pain and psychological effects of this procedure, long-term consequences of mutilation include childbirth complications, anemia, increased risk of HIV infection, sexual dysfunction, and numerous other problems.