568.065. Genital mutilation of a female child, penalty — affirmative defenses.
It’s illegal to harm a girl’s genitals, even for cultural or parental reasons
This law makes it a crime to cut or harm the genitals of a girl under 17. It’s also illegal for a parent or guardian to allow it. Custom or consent is not a valid excuse.
1. A person breaks this law if they:
- (1) Cut or sew shut any part of a girl’s external genitals (labia majora, labia minora, vulva, or clitoris) when the girl is under 17 years old; or
- (2) Are legally responsible for a girl under 17 and allow someone to do this to her.
2. This offense is a class B felony.
3. It is not a defense to say this was done for cultural, religious, or ritual reasons, or that the child or parent agreed to it.
4. It is a defense if the procedure was:
- (1) Needed to protect the child’s health and done by a licensed medical provider; or
- (2) Performed during or after childbirth for medical reasons by a licensed doctor.
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