It continues because FGM is too broadly defined. It's never clear whether they're talking about cutting off the clitoral hood, the clitoris itself or the entire

It continues because FGM is too broadly defined. It's never clear whether they're talking about cutting off the clitoral hood, the clitoris itself or the entire vulva. Only the former is anything like male circumcision; the latter two are the equivalent of severing the glans, and removing the scrotal sac (while preserving the testes), respectively. There are no upsides to the latter two FGM practices, but having an intact/thick hood can interfere with orgasm for some women (basically female phimosis; the affected tend to need a vibrator to get off). I've heard topical testosterone is a possible nonsurgical solution, but hormone roulette presents its own interesting problems. It's very much a personal decision though and the amount of effort we expend on forcibly tampering with the genitals of others (especially children) never ceases to astound me either.