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Spotlight
Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C)
Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) involves the alteration or removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. This practice has no health benefits and may cause serious physical and mental health problems for many young girls and women across the world. FGM/C is a personal and sensitive experience for those affected. It can create challenges in personal and community relationships, which makes it harder to discuss and seek support.
FGM/C is illegal in many countries, including the United States. In Minnesota, it is against the law to perform or attempt FGM/C on anyone, as stated in Section 609.2245 MN Statutes: FGM/C & Penalties:
“Subdivision 1. Crime. Except as otherwise permitted in subdivision 2, whoever knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of another is guilty of a felony. Consent to the procedure by a minor on whom it is performed or by the minor's parent is not a defense to a violation of this subdivision.”
This page provides support and resources for FGM/C survivors and community service providers. For information about FGM/C screening, diagnosis, and medical management, please refer to Domestic Refugee Health Screening Guidance | Sexual and Reproductive Health Screening.
Our work
- Minnesota Female Genital Cutting Prevention and Outreach Project Work Group
Co-led by the International Institute of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) from 2017 to 2019. This workgroup brought diverse stakeholders together to recommend, inform, and coordinate FGM/C prevention and community engagement efforts in Minnesota. Key recommendations include:- Offering FGM/C training for health care providers, emergency responders, law enforcement, child welfare, and education professionals. These trainings include mandated reporting laws, the background of the practice, risk factors, signs of FGM/C, community engagement strategies, and response protocols.
- Developing needed FGM/C resources, including referral list of FGM/C services and community organizations, protocol for risk and respond to FGM/C cases, and increase in-person interpreter services.
- Increasing community engagement efforts (awareness and education) for FGM/C prevention and multi-sectoral collaboration in FGM/C efforts.
- Minnesota Female Genital Cutting Prevention and Outreach Grant Program
MDH provided one-time grants to Minnesota-based organizations experienced female genital cutting mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), supporting community-led efforts to educate and inform communities of the health risks and emotional trauma inflicted by FGM/C practices and the criminal penalties associated with FGC. Some grantee projects are highlighted below:- FGM Trio-Team TV Interview with Dr. Harare (YouTube)
East African Health Project 10-minute educational video interview with professionals across health care, legal, and religious fields discussing FGM/C in the Minnesota Somali communities (in Somali, with English subtitles). - FGC Outreach Factsheet – English (PDF)
WellShare International FGM/C fact sheet, including the who, what, when, where, why, and what now.
- FGM Trio-Team TV Interview with Dr. Harare (YouTube)
Resources
- Health Services Directory
Find FGM/C health services in Minnesota. In the search bar, type “FGM/C” to find women’s health (OBGYN) and mental health care services who support individuals affected by FGM/C.
- Community Based Organization Directory
Includes community-based organizations that provide support and services for individuals affected by FGM/C. In the search bar, type 'FGM/C' to find relevant organizations. - Understanding its Effects on Relationships and Maternal Well-Being (YouTube)
A three-minute International Institute of Minnesota video discussing how FGM/C impacts an individual’s relationship with their health and community. There are closed captions available in both Oromo and Somali. - The Hands Project
A resource offering support and information for individuals affect by FGM/C. It provides a safe space to learn more, share experiences, access support, and start important conversation about FGM/C. - The U.S. End FGM/C Network: FGM/C Patient Self-Advocacy Tool
A RTI International and John Hopkins University School of Nursing communication tool that helps individuals who have experienced FGM/C talk with their health care provider during appointments.- Patient Self-Advocacy Tool: General Medical Visit – English (PDF)
- Patient Self-Advocacy Tool: General Medical Visit – Arabic (PDF)
- Patient Self-Advocacy Tool: General Medical Visit – French (PDF)
- Patient Self-Advocacy Tool: Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Form – English (PDF)
- Patient Self-Advocacy Tool: Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Form – Arabic (PDF)
- Patient Self-Advocacy Tool: Comprehensive Women's Healthcare Form – French (PDF)
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C)
Information about support for individuals who experienced or are at risk of FGM/C. It features an FGM/C brochure that is available in many languages.- USCIS FGM/C brochure – English (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Amharic (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Arabic (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – French (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Indonesian (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Malay (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Somali (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Swahili (PDF)
- USCIS FGM/C brochure – Tigrinya (PDF)
- Bridging Refugee Youth & Children’s Services (BRYCS): Female Genital Cutting (FGC)
Webinars, fact sheets, and handouts. Some resources are available in other languages. - The End FGM/C U.S. Network
Guidance and tools on FGM/C for community service providers and survivors. - The Girl Generation
Culturally sensitive, ethical, and harm-reduction tools for advocacy and guidance that create safe spaces, center female voices, and support engagement with FGM/C survivors. - Council of the Great City Schools: FGM/C Prevention: A Resource for U.S. Schools (PDF)
Culturally sensitive approaches and support to address FGM/C in schools for at-risk students affected by FGM/C.
There are many national and global efforts focused on raising awareness and providing education about Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), including surveillance, community outreach, and global health initiatives.
- womenshealth.gov: Female genital mutilation or cutting
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’ Health FAQ webpage. - UNICEF: Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Includes data on FGM/C worldwide, such as prevalence, attitudes towards the practice, and more. - World Health Organization (WHO): Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
Provides news, fact sheets, and highlights the WHO’s efforts on FGM/C worldwide.
For questions or feedback please contact refugeehealth@state.mn.us.