Even for girls in U.S., female genital mutilation and 'vacation cutting' are risks

The Chicago Tribune reports:

In Illinois, there are about 10,000 to 25,000 women and girls who have been cut or are at risk of being cut, according to the Washington-based Population Reference Bureau. Nationwide, 513,000 women and girls born into families who practice the tradition or who immigrated from those countries were at risk of female genital mutilation in 2012, more than double the number in 2000, according to the CDC, a rise attributed to an increase in immigration from countries where the practice is prevalent.

Women in Chicago said the tradition is a familiar one. They have friends who were cut as girls or friends who are considering the procedure for their own daughters.

Cultural diversity comes to Illinois.