Bill > SB01438

This bill establishes a legal prohibition against female genital mutilation (FGM) for minors under 18 years old, making it a class D felony. The law specifically criminalizes the act of circumcising, excising, or infibulating any part of a minor's labia or clitoris, with two key exceptions: (1) medical procedures necessary for the health of the patient, performed by a licensed physician, and (2) medical procedures related to labor or childbirth, performed by a licensed physician, nurse-midwife, or a person training in those professions. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that procedures based on custom or ritual are not considered medically necessary, even if the performing party believes they are required. The law will go into effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to protect minors from a practice that is widely recognized as a harmful traditional procedure that can cause significant physical and psychological trauma. By classifying FGM as a class D felony, the bill establishes serious legal consequences for those who perform this procedure on minors.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB01438&which_year=2025