April 3: Some families especially those with girls suffering from severe mental disabilities force such girls to undergo hysterectomy when they reach puberty under the pretext of fears over their future and social reputation, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Along with some specialists who are against such an action, considering them as changing the nature of the body which can result in dangerous consequences, Director of Genetic Diseases Center at Obstetrics Hospital Dr. Laila Bastaki stressed that this surgery is carried out to disable Kuwaiti girls with the approval of their families.

Meanwhile, the Obstetric, Gynecology and Infertility Consultant Dr. Naheda Al-Ali said hysterectomy surgeries are carried out on girls who suffer from severe mental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, with the approval of their guardians. She revealed that she has seen five such cases and carried out three surgeries. In addition, lawyers unanimously agreed that such practices are illegal if they are not backed by medical reasons.

A member of the Fatwa Department at Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmad Al-Kordi said removal of any organ from the body without urgent medical reasons is religiously prohibited. He stressed that hysterectomy does not prevent exposure to sexual aggressions such as rapes, adding that it is better to pay extra attention to such girls and keep them on constant watch.

News Source: Arab Times