International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Girls in the US who are "at risk" of female genital mutilation (FGM) can be in considerable danger throughout the summer, a pressure group has warned.

According to the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation, girls from immigrant communities are often sent outside the country at this time of year to undergo the procedure.

Dr Eno Etuk, spokesperson for the group, said they tend to go places where FGM is "ritually practiced" and are put under the knife in "very unsterile conditions".

As a result, many girls are choosing to run away from home, which means parents now often fail to tell their children why they are sending them away.

The World Health Organization believes the procedure can lead to significant health problems for women, including infections, urinary issues and infertility, as well as complications when giving birth.

Indeed, the group has argued it violates the human rights of females and offers no health benefits.

Posted by Carla Mackenzie