Massachusetts § 60 - Female genital mutilation; definitions; penalties; defenses
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 60 — Female genital mutilation; definitions; penalties; defenses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 60. Female genital mutilation; definitions; penalties; defenses
Section 60. (a) For the purposes of this section, the term ''female genital mutilation'' shall mean partially or totally removing the female genitalia or altering the structure or function of the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, including, but not limited to, infibulation, the partial or total removal of the clitoris, prepuce, labia minora, or labia majora, the narrowing of the vaginal orifice, or any other procedure that causes injury to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes.
(b) Whoever knowingly commits female genital mutilation on a person under the age of 18 shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $10,000 and by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years.
(c) Whoever knowingly transports a person under the age of 18 within the commonwealth or knowingly sends such person out of the commonwealth with the intent to commit, or that another person will commit, female genital mutilation shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $10,000 and by imprisonment in the house of correction for not more than 21/2 years.
(d) It shall not be a violation of this section for a licensed medical provider to conduct a procedure necessary to preserve or protect the health of the person on whom it is performed in the course of medical treatment or for gender reassignment as requested by the person on whom it is performed.
(e) It shall not be a defense to a violation under this section that the defendant believes their actions were conducted as a matter of custom or ritual or that the person on whom female genital mutilation was performed, or that person's parent or guardian, consented to the procedure.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 60
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 60 cover?
Section 60 ("Female genital mutilation; definitions; penalties; defenses") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts § 60?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 60" (Massachusetts). 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 Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 60 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.