End FGM USA

Zonta Advocates Ending Female Genital Mutilation(FGM)

FGM, which comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, health and integrity of girls and women. Complications from FGM endanger the physical and mental well-being of women and girls.

Zonta International believes FGM is a severe human rights violation that cannot be tolerated. Along with child marriage, it must be eliminated. (Link to statement)

“FGM and child marriage are both incredibly harmful to girls, women and their communities,” said Zonta International President Sharon Langenbeck. “Zonta endorses the Sustainable Development Goals and is committed to help end both of these practices by 2030.”

What is the law in your state?

Support survivors of female genital mutilation

In the United States, approximately 513,000 women and girls have undergone or are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM), the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, or other injuries to the genital organs, for non-medical reasons.

Take Acton

Model Legislation to End FGM

all pieces of legislation should follow an anti-FGM Model Legislation which includes the following criteria:

Prosecuting FGM has a felony and not as a misdemeanor.
Protecting minors and people under guardianship or conservatorship.
Prosecuting practitioners, parents, guardians and other individuals responsible for the care of minors and people under guardianship.
Increasing the sentencing period up to 20 years.
Moving burden of proof from survivors to investigators.
Creating civil actions for survivors.
Extending the status of limitation.
Penalizing vacation cutting.
Punishing medical professional by suspending or revoking their licenses permanently.
Introducing FGM information into mandatory sex education classes and general education panels to inform people about the risk associated with these practices.
Developing policies and procedures for the training providers of health services on recognizing the risk factors associated with FGM.
Introducing mandatory reporting for law enforcement and health care professionals, police personnel, among others.
Adopting federal and state FGM tracking system and annual statistical reporting.

Additional Addressing FGM Resources

Female Genital Mutilation: The Status of U.S. Laws Restricting the Practice

2013 Statutes re FGM by the National District Attorney’s assn: (PDF)