LEGISLATION ON FGM
Female genital mutilation (FGM) has been illegal in the United Kingdom since 1985, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment, a fine, or both. The Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985 first established FGM as a specific offense in the UK, allowing for sentences of up to five years' imprisonment.
This act was replaced by the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, which became effective in March 2004. The 2003 Act was later modified by the Serious Crime Act 2015, criminalizing FGM performed on UK nationals or permanent residents outside the UK. Additionally, failing to prevent a girl from undergoing FGM became an offense, holding all responsible parties for a minor victim accountable under this new law.
KEY POINTS FROM THE FGM ACT 2003
This law prohibits the practice of FGM on girls in the UK or UK residents taken abroad for FGM procedures. Parents, guardians, health and social workers, police, and educators in the UK are legally obligated to:
Protect minors (under 18 years) from FGM.
Report any incidents to the appropriate authorities to safeguard minors.
OUR COLLECTIVE DUTY
This legal change is of utmost importance for health and social workers, police, and educators, as failure to prevent FGM is a criminal offense. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us to shield girls from this inhumane act.
SPECIFIC LEGISLATION
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 prohibits FGM. Scotland has its own legislation concerning FGM under the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act 2005.
SOURCES
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/womens-and-girls-health/2/steps/1498074
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/4/6323/Fact_sheet-FGM_-_Act.pdf
