Genital cutting raises birth risks

LONDON, June 2 (UPI) -- Female genital cutting raises the risk of death in pregnant women and their infants by 50 percent, a study found.

Researchers said genital cutting dramatically increases the likelihood that a pregnant woman will suffer serious complications during childbirth -- such as infection and excessive bleeding -- The New York Times reported. The study also showed a high infant mortality rate in cases in which women gave birth after genital mutilation.

The research results were published in the British medical journal The Lancet.

The procedure - often performed without anesthesia -- is performed in certain cultures as a tradition.

More than 28,000 women in six African nations participated in the study from 2001 through 2003. The women were examined initially so doctors could assess the degree of damage, and then followed until after giving birth.

The study -- the first large medical study of female genital cutting -- was authored by members of the World Health Organization Study Group on Female Genital Mutilation and Obstetrical Outcome.