Healing the Sacred Yoni in the land of Isis: Female Genital Mutilation is Banned (again) in Egypt

This article examines the debate surrounding female genital mutilation (FGM) in Egypt where approximately 97 percent of women have undergone this practice. It shows that in 1997, the Supreme Administrative Court of Egypt overturned a lower ruling and upheld the 1996 Health Minister's decree banning FGM. It reviews comparative legal efforts in African and European countries banning FGM and looks into the gradual concerns of the international health community. It is argued the experience in other countries suggest that a multiapproach might be sensitive to the practices and be more efficient than a legal attack. Due to the long-term support to FGM, without cultural comprehensive sensitive campaigns, the author argues the ban will remain unenforceable. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Female Genital Cutting, International - Africa]