Another Doctor Charged with Female Genital Mutilation

Dr. Fakhruddin Attar

For the second time this month, a Detroit area physician has been charged with performing female genital mutilation on young girls.

Dr. Fakhruddin Attar, M.D., 53, and his wife, Farida Attar 50, both of Livonia, are charged with conspiring to perform female genital mutilations on minor girls out of Fakhruddin Attar’s medical clinic in Livonia, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit.  A criminal complaint alleges that some of the girls between the ages of 6 and 8 traveled interstate to have the procedure performed. 

Fakhruddin is affiliated with Providence Hospital and St. Mary's of Michigan Medical Center, according to the website, WebMD.

Authorities allege that they couple conspired with Dr. Jumana Nagarwala, who was arrested in Detroit on April 12, and charged with performing female genital mutilation. 

The practice, a tradition among some cultures, involves partially or totally removing the external genitalia of girls and young women. It is illegal in many countries. Some say it is done to suppress female sexuality and control women.