Pricking in the African Diaspora : Current Evidence and Recurrent Debates

Purpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to assess current evidence and summarise key debates on pricking within the African diaspora.Recent FindingsCurrent 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.SummaryPricking 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