Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is defined by the United Nations as “any partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or any other injury of the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.” FGM/C is a form of both sexual and gender-based violence, as it is performed for non-medical reasons and is often done without the full, free, and informed consent of the survivor. Because it can cause lasting physical, emotional, and sexual harm, FGM/C is understood not only as a harmful practice, but as a violation of bodily autonomy and human rights.
The 4 types of FGM/C are:
- Type 1: Clitoridectomy - Partial or total removal of the clitoris.
- Type 2: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia.
- Type 3: Infibulation (Most severe) - Sewing the labia together to make the vaginal opening smaller; The clitoris may be left in place.
- Type 4: All other harm to the female genitalia for nonmedical purposes, including pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping, and cauterization.
For definitions and diagrams of female genitalia, please visit End FGM.
How Does FGM/C Impact Survivors?*
There are many short- and long-term physical effects of FGM/C that disrupt the lives of survivors.
Short-term physical effects include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Pain
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Urinary difficulty or obstruction
Long-term physical effects include:
- Recurring UTIs
- Kidney infection
- Menstrual difficulty
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pregnancy complications, such as prolonged or obstructed labour
Additionally, survivors often experience psychological effects that make it harder to heal emotionally. Several psychological effects include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Isolation
- Mood disorders (such as depression and bipolar disorder)
*Source 1, Source 2
Where is FGM/C Commonly Practiced and Who is Affected?
FGM/C is commonly practiced among parts of Northern and Central Africa, Middle East, and Asia. Statistics show that of women and girls aged 15-49, 98% in Somalia, 97% in Guinea, 91% in Mali, and 91% in Egypt have experienced some form of FGM/C.
In the U.S., 513,000 individuals nationwide have experienced or may be at risk of experiencing FGM/C. In 2013, women and girls with family ties to Egypt, Somalia, and Ethiopia made up 55% of all U.S. women and girls estimated to be at risk of FGM/C. In Maryland, it is estimated that 31,820 individuals have experienced FGM/C.
In the U.S., FGM/C may affect immigrant and refugee. Providers and advocates should avoid stereotyping or assuming that someone is at risk based only on their country of origin or cultural background. As of 2020, it is a federal crime in the U.S. to perform FGM/C or take a girl out of the country for the purpose of FGM/C.
Why is FGM/C Practiced?
There are no health benefits to FGM/C. Nevertheless, in some communities, FGM/C is practiced as part of cultural traditions and beliefs about women’s sexuality and the passage of girls into adulthood. Some communties also consider FGM/C a religious duty, although no major religious text requires FGM/C.
Social pressure from tradition remains a great barrier to eliminating FGM/C. Many people from communities affected by FGM/C strongly oppose the practice. Survivors of FGM/C, as well as advocates, community leaders, and family members of those who have undergone FGM/C are often at the forefront of efforts to end the practice, protect girls, and support those who have been harmed.
Maryland and MCASA’s Efforts
Alongside the DMV Area Coalition to End FGM/C and The U.S. End FGM/C Network, MCASA has staunchly supported legislation to update Maryland's 1998 ban on FGM/C. During the 2026 legislative session, MCASA championed SB907/HB1389 - Female Genital Mutilation, which was successfully passsed and takes effect on October 1, 2026. This bill provides needed clarification to Maryland’s law prohibiting FGM/C, such as amending current criminal provisions to include transporting a minor out of state for FGM/C along with attaching FGM/C to the definition of child abuse. In doing so, mandatory reporting obligations for FGM/C are created and child protective services are permitted to investigate. Additionally, health care providers violating these provisions will be stripped of their license even if they plead nolo contendre (neither admitting to or denying charges against them) or receive probation before judgment. Most importantly, this bill supports community education and creates civil remedies for the victims of FGM/C.
How to Support Survivors**
Primary Care Providers
- Offer trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care.
- Connect survivors to other specialized services, such as legal aid, mental health care, and restoration surgery.
- Mirror the langauge used by survivors when talking about FGM/C.
- Understand how FGM/C can impact survivors’ short- and long-term physical and mental health.
Pediatric Providers
- Identify warning signs of FGM/C.
- Offer age-appropriate information to children.
- Connect survivors and their parents or guardians to state child advocacy centers.
OB-GYNs
- Use non-judgemental language during physical exams.
- Understand obstetric and gynecological complications associated with FGM/C.
- Offer specialized care for reproductive and birth needs.
Mental Health Care Providers
- Understand the psychological effects of FGM/C on survivors.
- Mirror the langauge used by survivors when talking about FGM/C.
- Practice cultural humility and offer trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive care.
Victim Advocates
- Offer emotional support to survivors using non-judgmental language.
- Attend trainings on FGM/C to gain an understanding of FGM/C and learn how to reduce personal bias regarding the practice.
- Connect survivors to medical, legal, and social services.
**Source 1, Source 2
Survivors can be referred to the FGM/C Survivor Support Line, hosted by Sahiyo and the Asian Women’s Shelter, which provides confidential support, resources, safety planning, and referrals for survivors in the U.S.
FGM/C Support Line Phone Number: 1-877-751-0880.
Maryland's Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers provide survivors of sexual violence with confidential services like crisis intervention and counseling. Survivors can find their nearest Rape Crisis Center on MCASA's website, or by calling 211.
MCASA's Sexual Assault Legal Institute provides comprehensive legal services to survivors of sexual violence statewide. Survivors can learn more on MCASA's website, or call to speak with an advocate: 301-565-2277.
Resources for All Providers
