TITLE 18

CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS

CHAPTER 15

CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS

18-1506B.  female genital mutilation of a child — exclusions — penalties — definition. (1) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, whoever knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a child shall be guilty of a felony.

(2)  Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, whoever knowingly gives permission for, or permits on a child, any act prohibited by subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a felony.

(3)  Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, whoever knowingly removes or causes, permits, or facilitates the removal of a child from this state for the purpose of facilitating any act prohibited by subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of a felony.

(4)  A surgical operation shall not be a violation of this section if the operation is:

(a)  Necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed and is performed by a person licensed in the place of its performance as a medical practitioner; or

(b)  Performed on a person in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth by a person licensed in the place it is performed as a medical practitioner, midwife, or person in training to become such a practitioner or midwife.

(5)  In applying subsection (4)(a) of this section, no account shall be taken of the effect on the person on whom the operation is to be performed or any belief on the part of that person, or any other person, that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.

(6)  Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be guilty of a felony and shall be imprisoned in the state prison for a term of not more than life.

(7)  For the purposes of this section, "child" means any person under eighteen (18) years of age.

History:

[18-1506B, added 2019, ch. 130, sec. 1, p. 465; am. 2020, ch. 101, sec. 1, p. 271.]