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In the United States, the last recorded clitoridectomy for…

“In the United States, the last recorded clitoridectomy for curing masturbation was performed in 1948--on a five year old girl.” quote by Eve Ensler
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“In the United States, the last recorded clitoridectomy for curing masturbation was performed in 1948--on a five year old girl.”

Eve Ensler

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A 1948 surgery attempted to stop masturbation by removing a girl's clitoris, reflecting harmful medical myths about sexuality.

In simple terms: A harmful surgery was done to stop masturbation.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and reject pseudoscientific medical practices.

Themes

medical ethics sexual health history women's rights

Mood

sad outraged reflective

Type

historical cautionary

When to use this quote

  • medical education
  • policy reform
  • public health advocacy
  • sexual education

Key Concepts

gender pathology medical misinformation human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • How did societal attitudes enable this surgery?
  • What safeguards prevent similar abuses today?
A Different Perspective

Such procedures were based on ignorance, not evidence, and caused lasting trauma.

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