Legal Definitions - excision

Excision is a type of female genital mutilation (FGM) where the entire clitoris is cut off. FGM is the act of cutting or removing one or more female sexual organs. It is mostly practiced among certain tribes in Africa, but it also occurs among some immigrant populations in the United States and other Western nations.

There are three commonly identified types of FGM:

• Sunna: where the hood of the clitoris is cut off
• Excision: where the entire clitoris is cut off
• Infibulation: where the clitoris, the labia minora, and much of the labia majora are cut off

In the United States, Congress has made FGM illegal and specifically prohibited the use of a cultural defense for persons accused of performing the act.

Example: A young girl in Africa undergoes excision as part of a cultural tradition. This practice is harmful and can cause severe physical and psychological damage to the girl.

Example: A woman from an immigrant community in the United States is taken to a doctor who performs excision on her. This is illegal and can result in criminal charges for the doctor.

These examples illustrate how excision is a harmful and illegal practice that violates the human rights of women and girls. It is important to raise awareness about FGM and work towards ending this practice worldwide.