Search Menu Introduction What is FGC? Population Groups Statistics Male/Female Circ. Library Bibliography Films Testimonies Articles Declarations Legislation Links Network Organizations Legal Help Speakers Bureau	You are here: AUSTRALIA: Criticism Over Australian Doctors Support For Female Circumcision Human rights groups have come out against a proposal by the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gyneocologists to support a form of female circumcision. The college is considering supporting a less extreme version known as a 'ritual nick'. Female circumcision is illegal in Australia but the secretary of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gyneocologists, Dr Gino Pecoraro says he's worried the practice is being done overseas with much worse consequences. "No one is condoning the practice, no one is trying to legitimise the practice, it's trying to look at a way to minimise the harm," he said. But Victoria's Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke says it's still genital mutilation. "I don't think a compromised surgical procedure is an appropriate response to such a major breach of human rights," he said. Dr Szoke says education campaigns are a better alternative. SOURCE: ABC Radio URL: Click here DATE: 10/06/2010

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