Monrovia, Feb. 16 -- A renewed legislative effort to formally eradicate Female Genital Mutilation, widely known as FGM, has generated intense debate within the House of Representatives, as several lawmakers voice caution about endorsing a measure that many traditional communities still regard as culturally sensitive.

The debate dominated plenary proceedings on Thursday during the 10th day sitting of the first quarter of the third session of the 55th Legislature. Lawmakers convened following extensive consultations conducted across five counties, where traditional leaders, rural women's groups, and civil society organizations weighed in on the proposed draft legislation seeking to outlaw the practice.

The public hearing, described by org...