Offence of female genital mutilation
1
1
A person is guilty of an offence if he excises, infibulates or otherwise mutilates the whole or any part of a girl’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris.
2
But no offence is committed by an approved person who performs—
a
a surgical operation on a girl which is necessary for her physical or mental health, or
b
a surgical operation on a girl who is in any stage of labour, or has just given birth, for purposes connected with the labour or birth.
3
The following are approved persons—
a
in relation to an operation falling within subsection (2)(a), a registered medical practitioner,
b
in relation to an operation falling within subsection (2)(b), a registered medical practitioner, a registered midwife or a person undergoing a course of training with a view to becoming such a practitioner or midwife.
4
There is also no offence committed by a person who—
a
performs a surgical operation falling within subsection (2)(a) or (b) outside the United Kingdom, and
b
in relation to such an operation exercises functions corresponding to those of an approved person.
5
For the purpose of determining whether an operation is necessary for the mental health of a girl it is immaterial whether she or any other person believes that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.
S. 1 in force at 3.3.2004 by S.I. 2004/286, art. 2