The ‘Husband Stitch’: A Form of FGM/C? Unpacking Medical Ethics and Women’s Health
Release Date: 04/09/2025
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The ‘Husband Stitch’: A Form of FGM/C? Unpacking Medical Ethics and Women’s Health
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In this episode of Changing Narratives, we explore the unsettling yet vital issue of the “Husband Stitch”—a practice often dismissed as a myth but deeply harmful and invasive. Join Hunter Kessous, Medical Student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Dr. Raveen Syan, Urologist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, as they unpack this painful procedure, its connection to FGM/C, and its profound implications on women’s health and informed consent. Hunter dives into the powerful stories of women who’ve endured the...
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Introduction to Changing Narratives
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Episode 1: Welcome to "Changing Narratives" In this debut episode of Changing Narratives, host Patricia Mars sits down with the Director of The U.S. End FGM/C Network, Caitlin LeMay, to share the inspiration behind the podcast, what listeners can expect from this transformative series and the goals driving this project. Together, they discuss the importance of amplifying survivor voices, fostering collaboration and taking collective action to end FGM/C. This episode sets the tone for the series, offering a glimpse into the thought and heart behind Changing Narratives. Whether you're new to...
info_outlineIn this episode of Changing Narratives, we explore the unsettling yet vital issue of the “Husband Stitch”—a practice often dismissed as a myth but deeply harmful and invasive. Join Hunter Kessous, Medical Student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Dr. Raveen Syan, Urologist who specializes in pelvic floor disorders at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, as they unpack this painful procedure, its connection to FGM/C, and its profound implications on women’s health and informed consent.
Hunter dives into the powerful stories of women who’ve endured the “Husband Stitch” and how their experiences are shaping public awareness and medical education. Dr. Syan explains the ethical challenges this practice presents and the lack of research that’s left many affected women without adequate care or treatment options. Together, they examine how healthcare providers can rebuild trust and advocate for better postnatal care.
The “Husband Stitch” is not just a medical issue—it's a human rights issue. Tune in to hear how this research is challenging societal and medical norms, pushing for change in policy, and empowering women to reclaim their voices.
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Share this episode with your network to raise awareness about the “Husband Stitch” and its connection to FGM/C. The more people who hear these stories, the closer we get to a world where these practices are eradicated.
Contact Hunter: If you’d like to learn more about their research or explore ways to get involved, feel free to reach out to Hunter at hsk71@miami.edu. Hunter has also written a compelling blog post on this topic titled “The Husband Stitch as anUnderrecognized Form of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting”. We encourage you to read it.
Dr. Syan also mentioned a great resource for pelvic health information and support—Apta Pelvic Health. We encourage you to explore their website for more on improving women’s pelvic health and well-being.
Join us in changing the narrative and pushing for a world where women’s voices and rights are always respected.