States Where FGM is Legal 2025

What Is FGM?

A lot of states have laws regulating a wide variety of procedures, and one of the biggest examples is female genital mutilation. This is typically abbreviated FGM, a procedure where female genitals are deliberately changed, injured, or cut. Furthermore, with female genital mutilation, there is typically no medical reason for the procedure. In some situations, it can be called female circumcision, but the terms are used interchangeably. This procedure is widely regulated, and it is typically seen as inhumane. Therefore, most states have laws against this practice, which is no longer widespread.

Why Is FGM Frowned Upon?

There are lots of reasons why this procedure is no longer considered okay. First, it strips the woman of any body autonomy she might have. It is virtually unheard of for a woman to get this procedure done willingly, so it has to be forced upon her by somebody else. Furthermore, it can hurt to use the bathroom or have sexual intercourse. As a result, it can lead to significant quality of life concerns. Because of this, most states have introduced laws against this practice. It is entirely possible that more laws could be introduced down the road.

What States Have Laws Against FGM?

Congress passed a bill in 1996 to make female genital mutilation illegal. However, in 2019 a federal judge declared the bill unconstitutional. He said that Congress did not have the power to make this type of law and should be left to the states.

Before the law was overturned, 27 states had laws prohibiting female genital mutilation. By the end of 2019, female genital mutilation was explicitly banned by 35 states. As of May 2023, only Alabama, Mississippi, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Washington, Maine, Connecticut, and New Mexico have not banned FGM. The District of Columbia also has no anti-FGM legislation.

Even though a state might not have a specific law on the books against this procedure, it is possible for someone who forces a woman to have the procedure done to be prosecuted under a separate law. The exact nature of the prosecution will vary from state to state.

What Are the Top Signs that FGM Has Taken Place?

Several signs could indicate that someone has been exposed to this practice. For example, individuals might have difficulty sitting, standing, or walking. There are also situations where women who have had this procedure done might spend a long time in the bathroom because it takes them longer to use it. It is not unusual for women who have had this procedure to feel depressed, anxious, or withdrawn. There are also a lot of situations where women who have had this procedure done might be reluctant to go to the doctor because they do not want to answer questions about it. Typically, women do not have this procedure done willingly, which can be seen as a sign of abuse.