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The Female Genital Mutilation Act is passed.

1996

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TFCM

The act is part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. It makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly engage in female circumcision, which is also known as "female genital cutting (FGC)," of any person under 18, except under certain medical conditions. In these medical cases, any ritualistic components are barred. The punishment is a maximum sentence of five years and/or a fine.

As an international issue that has been of growing concern for the World Health Assembly since 1993, immigrants from countries identified as practicing female circumcision are given a warning upon immigrating to the U.S. by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

The circumcision of assigned female genitalia may involve the removal of tissue of the labia majora and/or minora, clitoris, or clitoral hood. In some contexts, the ritual procedure involves sewing or suturing the vagina or vulva.