Law against female genital mutilation?

Rep. Victoria Sullivan is sponsoring a 2018 bill that would outlaw female genital mutilation.

Sullivan's proposed law would make it a felony to participate in female genital mutilation, whether you are a doctor, parent, guardian, or other involved party. It would also be a felony to take a girl out of state for female genital mutilation.

About female genital mutilation

The practice of female genital mutilation involves cutting off or altering a girl's external genitalia for non-medical reasons.

Female genital mutilation is most common in African countries. However, as more people from those countries immigrate to the United States, female genital mutilation is becoming more common here. According to a 2012 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of girls and women at risk of female genital mutilation in the U.S. has roughly doubled since the 1990s.

States without a specific law against female genital mutilation, such as New Hampshire, may still use laws against assault and child abuse to prosecute someone involved in genital mutilation.

Protecting girls, sending a message

Supporters of a law against female genital mutilation argue that the practice should be addressed separately from other forms of child abuse, since parents who commit female genital mutilation do not believe it is a form of abuse. A specific law against the practice would send a clear message that female genital mutilation is a criminal act of violence.

An unnecessary law?

Opponents of a specific law against female genital mutilation argue that existing laws against assault and child abuse are sufficient. There is also a federal law against female genital mutilation, which can be used if a girl is transported out-of-state for genital mutilation.

Have your say

Do you think New Hampshire needs a law against female genital mutilation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.