Female Genital Cutting or Circumcision (FGC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Female genital cutting or circumcision (FGC) involves cutting, injuring, or altering the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a traditional cultural practice rather than a religious requirement, and its exact origins are unknown. FGC is practiced in some communities and ethnic groups in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America.

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, you may also hear the term female genital mutilation (FGM). Some women prefer “FGC,” others “FGM,” and some use other language.

Tell your Grand Rapids healthcare provider which term you prefer so they can speak about your experience in a way that feels respectful and comfortable for you.

How Common Is FGC?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • An estimated 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone FGC
  • Around 3 million girls are at risk or undergo the procedure each year

In the United States, it is estimated that more than 120,000 migrant women have experienced FGC in their country of birth.

Grand Rapids is home to diverse communities, including immigrants and refugees from countries where FGC is practiced. Local health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health regularly care for women and girls who have experienced FGC.

Types of Female Genital Cutting

The World Health Organization classifies FGC into four main types, based on how much tissue is removed or altered.

Type I – Clitoridectomy (sometimes called “sunna”)

  • The clitoral hood (prepuce) is removed
  • The clitoris itself may or may not be removed, either partially or completely

Type II – Excision

  • The entire clitoris is removed
  • The inner lips (labia minora) are partially or totally removed
  • Sometimes the outer lips (labia majora) are also cut

Type III – Infibulation (“Pharaonic circumcision”)

  • All or part of the labia minora and/or labia majora are removed
  • The remaining tissue is stitched together to create a seal over the vaginal opening
  • A small opening is left for urine and menstrual blood to pass

Type IV – Other Harmful Procedures

This includes any other non-medical procedures to the female genitals, such as:

  • Piercing
  • Cauterizing (burning)
  • Scraping or cutting
  • Applying corrosive or harmful substances to scar or narrow the vagina

Health Impacts of Female Genital Cutting

FGC has no medical or health benefit for women or girls. It can cause serious short-term and long-term health problems, including:

Immediate (short-term) health risks

  • Severe pain
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Shock
  • Infections
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • In rare cases, death

Long-term physical health impacts

  • Scarring and cysts
  • Narrowing of the vaginal opening
  • Blocked flow of urine
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Pelvic infections
  • Increased risk of infertility
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Reduced sexual enjoyment
  • Complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as:
    • Severe tearing
    • Heavy bleeding (hemorrhage)
    • Longer and more difficult labor

Emotional and mental health impacts

  • Post-traumatic stress symptoms (including nightmares and flashbacks)
  • Depression
  • Chronic anxiety
  • Fear or avoidance of medical care
  • Social isolation

In a city like Grand Rapids, where winters are long and cold and infections can be more difficult to manage, complications such as urinary or pelvic infections after FGC can be especially serious if not treated promptly.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have experienced FGC, you can safely discuss these issues with your primary care provider, OB/GYN, midwife, or a mental health professional. Local health systems are increasingly aware of FGC and can connect you with appropriate, culturally sensitive care.

FGC and the Law in Michigan

Female genital cutting is illegal in Michigan and across the United States in all circumstances.

Under Michigan law:

  • It is against the law to perform FGC on a girl or woman
  • It is illegal to take a person out of Michigan (to another state or another country) to have FGC performed
  • The maximum penalty in Michigan is up to 15 years imprisonment
  • It is also illegal to perform re-infibulation (re-stitching the vaginal opening) after childbirth for the purpose of narrowing or closing it

After childbirth, a doctor or midwife in Grand Rapids may perform stitches only to repair natural tearing, not to re-create FGC.

If you are worried that a girl in your family or community in the Grand Rapids area may be at risk of FGC—either here or during travel overseas—you can speak confidentially with:

  • Your family doctor
  • A pediatrician
  • An OB/GYN
  • The Kent County Health Department
  • Local social services or child protection services

They can explain the law, offer support, and help keep the child safe.

De‑Infibulation: Corrective Surgery After FGC

De-infibulation is a surgical procedure to reopen the vaginal opening in women who have undergone Type III FGC (infibulation).

In the United States, de-infibulation is considered a corrective and medically beneficial procedure. It may:

  • Improve the flow of urine and menstrual blood
  • Reduce pain
  • Improve sexual comfort
  • Make vaginal exams and childbirth safer

De-infibulation is usually performed by:

  • An OB/GYN (gynecologist)
  • A specially trained nurse practitioner or midwife

In the Grand Rapids area, you can ask about de-infibulation or FGC-related care at:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) OB/GYN clinics
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Women’s Health services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health OB/GYN
  • Mercy Health and affiliated women’s health clinics

If you are pregnant and have experienced FGC, it is especially important to talk with your provider early in pregnancy. They can:

  • Discuss options for de-infibulation
  • Plan for a safer labor and delivery
  • Coordinate care with labor and delivery teams at Grand Rapids hospitals

Accessing Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Women and girls who have experienced FGC in the Grand Rapids region can access care through a range of local services. While there is not yet a single FGC-specific clinic, many providers are experienced in caring for women from countries where FGC is practiced.

Local healthcare systems

You can start by contacting:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Women’s Health / OB-GYN clinics
    • Labor & Delivery services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Women’s Health and Maternity Care
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • OB/GYN and Women’s Health
  • Mercy Health (and affiliated clinics)
    • Women’s Health and Midwifery services

Ask for an OB/GYN or midwife with experience working with immigrant and refugee communities or with women affected by FGC.

Public health and community resources

  • Kent County Health Department – Grand Rapids
    • Offers sexual and reproductive health services
    • Can provide referrals to OB/GYNs, mental health providers, and social services
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local community health centers
    • May offer low-cost or sliding-scale services
    • Often have interpreters or multilingual staff

Mental health and counseling

If FGC has affected your emotional or mental health, you can seek support from:

  • Behavioral health services within Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Local counseling centers and trauma-informed therapists in Grand Rapids
  • Community organizations serving African, Middle Eastern, and Asian communities

When calling, you can say:
“I have experienced female genital cutting in my home country, and I would like to see a provider who understands this.”

Support for Women, Girls, and Families

In Grand Rapids and West Michigan, support may include:

  • One-on-one medical care for pain, infections, menstrual problems, or sexual health
  • Pregnancy and childbirth planning for women who have experienced FGC
  • Counseling and mental health care for trauma, anxiety, or depression
  • Education for families and communities about:
    • The health risks of FGC
    • Michigan and U.S. laws
    • How to protect girls from being cut
  • Culturally sensitive care with interpreters and female providers when requested

If you are unsure where to start:

  1. Call your primary care doctor or a local OB/GYN clinic in Grand Rapids
  2. Contact the Kent County Health Department and ask for women’s health or reproductive health services
  3. Ask any clinic you trust for a referral to a provider familiar with FGC

Protecting Girls in Grand Rapids

Families in Grand Rapids may feel pressure from relatives or community members in the U.S. or abroad to continue FGC. You do not have to face this alone.

Healthcare providers, schools, and social services in West Michigan can:

  • Help you explain the law to relatives
  • Support you in protecting your daughters from being cut
  • Provide confidential advice if you are worried about travel plans or pressure from family

If you believe a girl is at immediate risk, contact:

  • Local law enforcement
  • Child Protective Services in Michigan
  • A trusted healthcare provider or school counselor

Key Takeaways for Grand Rapids Residents

  • FGC/FGM is a harmful practice with no health benefits
  • It is illegal in Michigan and throughout the United States
  • Many women in Grand Rapids have experienced FGC and you are not alone
  • Local hospitals and clinics can provide:
    • Medical care and pain management
    • De-infibulation and childbirth support
    • Mental health counseling
  • The Kent County Health Department and major Grand Rapids health systems can help you find culturally sensitive, confidential care

If you live in or near Grand Rapids, Michigan and have experienced FGC—or are worried about someone at risk—reach out to a local healthcare provider. Help, support, and respectful care are available.