Louisiana § RS 14:43.4 - Female genital mutilation
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:43.4 — Female genital mutilation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 14:43.4. Female genital mutilation
A. A person is guilty of female genital mutilation when any of the following occur:
(1) The person knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a female minor.
(2) The parent, guardian, or other person legally responsible or charged with the care or custody of a female minor allows the circumcision, excision, or infibulation, in whole or in part, of such minor's labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris.
(3) The person knowingly removes or causes or permits the removal of a female minor from this state for the purpose of circumcising, excising, or infibulating, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of such female.
B. It shall not be a defense to prosecution for a violation of this Section that the conduct described in Subsection A of this Section is required as a matter of custom, ritual, or religious practice, or that the minor on whom it is performed, or the minor's parent or legal guardian, consented to the procedure.
C. If the action described in Subsection A of this Section is performed by a licensed physician during a surgical procedure, it shall not be a violation of this Section if either of the following is true:
(1) The procedure is necessary to the physical health of the minor on whom it is performed.
(2) The procedure is 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.
D. Whoever commits the crime of female genital mutilation shall be punished by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for not more than fifteen years.
Acts 2012, No. 207, §1.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 14:43.4
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:43.4 cover?
Section RS 14:43.4 ("Female genital mutilation") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 14:43.4?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 14:43.4" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 14:43.4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.