§ Shock – loss of consciousness due to excessive pain, blood loss and trauma, which can even lead to death § Infection and abscesses – FGM may cause risk of transmission of blood borne diseases such as hepatitis B and HIV § Acute urine retention which often leads to urinary track infections § Injury to the adjacent tissues – such as the urethra and the vaginal opening, perineum and rectum and anus § Failure to heal- Due to irritation of urine or rubbing when walking, or an underlying condition such as anaemia or malnutrition. This can be due to a weeping wound or to a chronic infected ulcer. Long – term Physical Health Consequences: They are more associated with severe types of mutilation and include: § Recurrent urinary track infections § Difficulties in menstruation § Chronic pelvic infection § Obstetric complications § Keloid Scar formation § Development of a false vagina and § Difficulties in providing gynaecological care. Psychosexual Consequences: § Sexual dysfunction. This may occur in both partners as a result of painful intercourse and reduced sexual sensitivity following clitoridectomy and narrowing of the vagina opening; and this may lead to hypersensitivity and painful intercourse. Social Consequences: These include: § High school dropout rates § Encourages polygamy because of sexual dysfunction FGM is closely related to maternal morbidity and maternal mortality. Without assisted delivery, the health complications of the practice on women and new born can be drastic and could conclude prolonged and obstructed labour leading to severe perennial lacerations (tears), bleeding, wound infection and womb infections. Prolonged labour can lead to brain damage to the baby (asphyxia) or death (Still birth).” [5] DETERMINATION OF ISSUES: At the Scheduling Conference held before the Registrar of this Court, two issues were agreed as I have already indicated in part [3] above. I will now proceed to discuss and determine them as requested by the parties to the petition. The first issue is whether the petition raises any matter for Constitutional Interpretation.