Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the circumcision of girls. The most common form is when all or parts of the clitoris and the inner labia are cut away. Sometimes the inner and outer labia are sewn together, in this case only a small opening is left for urine and menstrual blood to pass. This leads to many serious complications and it is illegal in many countries. This tradition is common in some cultures in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.