720 ILCS 5/12-34 – Female Genital Mutilation
This law makes it a serious crime to harm a girl’s private parts by cutting or altering them for non-medical reasons.
This Illinois law says it is a major crime to perform female genital mutilation or to allow it to happen to a child. Only a licensed doctor can do a necessary medical procedure related to health, childbirth, or recovery after birth.
(a) Anyone who knowingly cuts, removes, or closes any part of a female’s genital area (like the labia or clitoris) commits the crime of female genital mutilation. It doesn’t matter if the girl, her parents, or guardians agree to it – consent is not a defense.
(a-5) A parent, guardian, or anyone who has control of a child and knowingly helps or allows the procedure to happen also commits the crime of female genital mutilation.
(b) This law does not apply if a licensed doctor performs a surgery for valid medical reasons. These reasons include:
- The surgery is needed for the person’s health.
- The surgery is related to childbirth or done right after birth for medical purposes.
(c) Sentence: Performing female genital mutilation under part (a) is a Class X felony, which is one of the most serious crimes. Allowing it under part (a-5) is a Class 1 felony, which is also very serious.
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