Pricking in the African Diaspora: Current Evidence and Recurrent Debates

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to assess current evidence and summarise key debates on pricking within the African diaspora. Recent Findings: Current evidence reveals divergent views regarding pricking. (Inter)national legislation is unspecific regarding the illegality of pricking, further complicated by the difficulty of detecting pricking due to a lack of visible change in the genitalia. Debates are polarised and pricking is commonly viewed from a ‘harm reduction’ or ‘zero tolerance’ approach. This means that pricking can be approved of as a strategy for minimising health risks of female genital cutting (FGC) while still allowing for cultural diversity, or rejected as a violation of girl’s human rights and bodily integrity. Summary: Pricking is receiving increased attention, yet evidence from a migration context is still scarce. More research regarding the underlying reasons for supporting pricking, its potential harm, and whether it has a role in the eradication process of FGC is needed.