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}}</ref> Paediatric organizations in other countries, including the United States, have come to similar conclusions.
The [[foreskin]] is an integral, normal part of the external genitals. It forms the anatomical covering of the [[glans penis]] and [[clitoris]]. One recent medical study concluded that the inner surface of the male foreskin may be "an important component of the overall sensory mechanism of the human penis"<ref>{{TaylorJR LockwoodAP TaylorAJ 1996}}</ref>. It is clear that removing such anatomy from a healthy child raises important [[human rights ]] issues.
Relative degree of harm is not an appropriate criterion for distinguishing male circumcision from FGM. The milder forms of FGM are no more severe than male circumcision. In some traditions, female circumcision involves removing only the clitoral hood, while in other traditions, female circumcision involves nicking the genitals without removing any tissue whatsoever. Canadian law prohibits all forms of FGM, regardless of severity. If the milder forms of FGM cannot be excused on the grounds that they are less severe than male circumcision, then male circumcision cannot be excused on the grounds that it is less severe than the more extreme forms of FGM.