Codes and Frequencies
Description
FCLEGAL indicates whether the woman believes that female circumcision is legal in her country. Question wording and response categories vary across samples. See Comparability.
The related variable FCKNOWBAN indicates whether the woman knows of a law or a ban against female circumcision.
Comparability
Question wording and structure in FCLEGAL vary across samples, which reduces the variable's comparability. Most samples require respondents to demonstrate knowledge of female circumcision bans by asking whether the practice is legal, with a response of "yes" indicating it is legal and a response of "no" indicating it is not legal.
Comparability - Standard DHS
FCLEGAL is a country-specific variable that is included in neither the standard DHS questionnaire nor in any version of the standard DHS module on female circumcision.
Universe
- Cote d'Ivoire 2011: Women age 15-49 who have heard of FC.
- Guinea 2012: Women age 15-49 who have heard of FC.