Burkina Faso

Women performing excisions in Burkina Faso are cutting babies instead of young girls to escape increased scrutiny, according to the government and organizations fighting female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Outlawed in Burkina Faso since 1996, FGM/C is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and USD 1,500 in fines. In the years following the law the number of FGM/C victims younger than five years old increased from 20 percent in 1998 to 31 percent in 2003, according to the government. At least 70 newborns nationwide were admitted for hospital emergency care after botched cuttings in the first three months of 2008, according to the government. (IRIN)