Iowa Code 708.16 – Female genital mutilation
Current as of: 2023 | Check for updates
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1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person who knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a minor commits a class “D” felony.
Attorney's Note
Under the Iowa Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class D felony | up to 5 years | between $1,025 and $10,245 |
Terms Used In Iowa Code 708.16
- following: when used by way of reference to a chapter or other part of a statute mean the next preceding or next following chapter or other part. See Iowa Code 4.1
- person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
- state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1
2. A surgical procedure is not a violation of subsection 1 if the procedure is performed by a medical professional who holds a current license in this state necessary to perform the surgical procedure under any of the following circumstances:
a. When necessary to protect the health of the minor on whom the procedure is performed.
b. When performed on a minor who is in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth.
3. In determining whether a surgical procedure performed pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph “a”, is a violation of subsection 1, consideration shall not be given to any belief the minor or any other person holds that the surgical procedure is required based on custom or ritual.
4. A person who knowingly transports a minor within or outside of this state for the purpose of performing a procedure that would be a violation of subsection 1 if the procedure occurred in this state, commits a class “D” felony.