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  • The World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) issued a joint statement condemning female genital mutilation and declared support for its abandonment. 
  • The IOPTWH (International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women's Health) also condemns its practice.
  • Countries such as Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, England and Sweden all have laws against its practice and have legal punishments for breaking the laws. 
  • US Federal Law against FGM
  • Title 18 – Crimes and Criminal Procedure 
  • Part I - Crimes Chapter 7
  • Assault Section 116 - Female genital mutilation(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), whoever knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora or labia minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained the age of 18 years shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. (b) A surgical operation is not a violation of this section if the operation is--(1) necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed, and is performed by a person licensed in the place of its performance as a medical practitioner; or(2) performed on a person in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth by a person licensed in the place it is performed as a medical practitioner, midwife, or person in training to become such a practitioner or midwife. (c) In applying subsection (b)(1), no account shall be taken of the effect on the person on whom the operation is to be performed of any belief on the part of that person, or any other person, that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.(Added Pub. L. 104-208, div. C, title VI, Sec. 645(b)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009-709.)                                                              
  • Pediatricians can also play a role in its prevention by talking to and informing parents about its practice and dangers.
  • What you can do:  Spread the word about FGM, talk to people about it and teach them about its dangers.